[Plsfaculty] Updates on SPLS hirings

Wed May 24 12:45:15 MST 2023

Hi Ramin:

Thanks for your enquiry.  We have currently two searches underway for SPLS faculty.  The first, headed by a search committee chaired by Ursula Schuch, brought in two candidates, Drs. Leme and Meng. The search committee reported to me last week that both were qualified for offers of positions, and outlined their strengths and how they might benefit the SPLS. The third candidate withdrew from considerations for personal reasons. I am currently discussing the strengths of the two candidates with Dr. Murat Kacira, since this position very closely aligns with CEAC.

The second faculty search is for two extension positions in the general area of Agronomy.  Ursula Schuch and Glenn Wright are co-chairing the search committee which is a joint one aiming to fill the two positions simultaneously. The position descriptions are below. Channah Rock, Peter Ellsworth, Randy Norton, Ayman Mostapha, Charley Sanchez, and Robert Mason have agreed to serve on the search committee.  Two SPLS faculty were invited to serve on the committee but declined due to other commitments, so we hope to identify two further PLS faculty for this purpose. Further details can be obtained from Ursula and Glenn.

All our search committees operate following UA regulations provided by the provost's office:  I appoint the search committees, including the chair or co-chairs in the discussions of the composition of these committees.  We are considerate of diversity and representation issues. The search committees draft the advertisements for the positions, which are posted after final HR approval of their content.  The search committee screens the applications, designs, and implements the search process, typically by a zoom interview to generate a short list, then an in-person visit of the top candidates to meet our faculty and students, the administration, and provide a seminar for all to attend, and a "chalk-talk" typically attended by the search committee. The committee canvases the various stakeholders, and makes a final recommendation to me. After successful negotiation of an agreement on all aspects of start-up, including CALS admin in the process as appropriate, the final offer to the candidate comes from the Provost in the form of a letter.

Regarding the staff positions, these will be filled over the next couple of weeks. Nate Eakman and Taylor Grogg (seconded from the CALS business office) are running the search process with input from our faculty.  I will meet with the final candidates in an interview attended by NE/TG. We expect this process to be completed in the next couple of weeks, if not before.

Hope this helps!

David

1. Position Title: Assistant/Associate Specialist, Agronomist/Carbon Capture

Status: Continuing/Continuing eligible (note new UA tenure-track status may apply depending on timing)

Unit: School of Plant Sciences (SPS)/Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC)

FTE Split: 60% Extension/30% Research/10% Service

This position will plan, coordinate, manage, implement, and evaluate state-wide Extension programs targeting the production of field crops in central Arizona, plan, implement and evaluate field research, conduct systematic analysis of county data, local resources including clientele and stakeholder input, and historical information in order to identify community assets, program needs, and outreach education opportunities, assessing soil plant relationships regarding nutrients, reducing level of inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers and irrigation water and maintain profitability and sustainability in both the short and long-term agricultural productions systems in the desert Southwest. They will develop an effective agronomic field crops applied research and outreach education program in an arid environment based upon a thorough understanding of local conditions, resources, issues, and industry needs.

This position supports initiatives in the Grand Challenges Pillar, 2.2A Adaptation to Variable Climates in a Changing World and Shaping a Resilient Natural and Built Environment.

2. Position Title: Assistant/Associate Specialist, Agronomist - Organic Production

Status: Continuing/Continuing eligible (note new tenure-track status may apply depending on timing)

Unit: School of Plant Sciences

FTE Split: 60% Extension/30% Research/10% Service

The focus of this position will be to support emerging production systems in organic production of food. As the water continues to challenge Arizona agriculture, growers look to high value crop production, such as organic food. The organic food industry is a booming business. U.S. organic sales surged in 2020 by 12.4% to $61.9 billion. In particular, organic fruits and vegetables sales have increased, including organic leafy green demand. Approaches to organic production differ significantly from traditional food production and require a unique skill set.

This position supports initiatives in the Grand Challenges Pillar, 2.2A Adaptation to Variable Climates in a Changing World and Shaping a Resilient Natural and Built Environment.

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