UASYS

Assistant Professor - Extension Plant Pathologist

Stuttgart Full time

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Closing Date:

01/07/2026


Type of Position:

Faculty - Non-Tenure


Workstudy Position:

No


Job Type:

Regular


Work Shift:


Sponsorship Available:

No


Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.


Department:

Entomology and Plant Pathology


Department's Website:


Summary of Job Duties:

The successful candidate is expected to develop an active integrated extension and research program focusing on management of diseases impacting production and quality in rice and other major Arkansas crops. They will lead statewide efforts to educate farmers, extension agents, and seed and chemical industries on disease management. The successful candidate will focus on applied, field-based aspects of disease management and improvement of disease resistance/tolerance. Focal areas could include chemical control, improved host resistance, epidemiology, cultural practices, or other strategies to improve integrated management of crop plant diseases. Integration of county agents into extension activities, timely response to agent questions, development of training programs, and an applied research program to support extension efforts are essential to success. The incumbent is expected to extend information via a variety of platforms, including fact sheets, presentations at production or crop management meetings, websites, and social media. There is an expectation of conducting applied research, successful grantsmanship, publication of peer-reviewed research and participation at national and regional meetings. The candidate will mentor graduate students, provide service to the institution and state, and collaborate with extension and research faculty. The position requires willingness and flexibility to travel statewide.

Applications will be accepted until February 1, 2026.


Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
A doctoral degree in plant pathology or related discipline is required. Strong oral and written communication skills are required.


Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in a cooperative extension program and rice field pathology is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with a
demonstrated ability to work effectively across disciplines in applied agricultural systems.


Additional Information:

The position is located at the University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center (RREC) in Stuttgart, AR, where there is potential

for collaboration with scientists at the adjacent Dale Bumpers USDA-ARS National Rice Research Center. The RREC encompasses over

1,000 acres dedicated to testing, developing, and disseminating best practices for crop production. While rice is at the core of activity, the

RREC is also a site for important research on soybeans, corn, grain sorghum, and wheat. In addition to resources for field and plot research, the RREC is home to high quality laboratory and greenhouse space, a large conference center, and a seed processing facility. More information is available for the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at https://enpl.uark.edu and the RREC at https://aaes.uada.edu/research-locations/rice-research-extension-center.

Candidates must apply online at https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS and include: 1) a cover letter; 2) a statement of extension and research interests; 3) curriculum vitae; and 4) contact information of three professional references. Potential candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Terry Spurlock (tspurlock@uada.edu) with questions about the position. Applications received by February 1, 2026 are assured full consideration.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including

employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.


Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience


Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Other (see special instructions for details), Statement of Research Philosophy


Optional Documents:


Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please provide 1) a cover letter; 2) a statement of extension and research interests; 3) curriculum vitae; and 4) contact information of three professional references


Recruitment Contact Information:

Dr. Terry Spurlock, tspurlock@uada.edu


All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.


Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.  The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.  Required checks are identified in the position listing.  A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.


Constant Physical Activity:

Hearing, Standing, Talking, Walking


Frequent Physical Activity:

Balancing, Crawling, Crouching, Driving, Feeling, Kneeling, Pulling, Pushing


Occasional Physical Activity:

Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Reaching, Sitting


Benefits Eligible:

Yes