Assistant/Associate Professor - Sustainable Cropping Systems

Kansas State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position focused on advancing sustainable cropping systems in Southeast Kansas. This role (80% research, 20% extension) will develop an innovative, extramurally funded program emphasizing cropping systems design-including traditional crop rotations, alternative crops opportunities, soil conservation, and regenerative agriculture practices-along with production strategies such as soil amendments, integrated pest management strategies including pesticides, seeding/fertilizer rates, planting date, and/or precision agriculture technologies. The successful candidate will partner with clientele to optimize crop profitability, sustainable land use, and regenerative agriculture practices (i.e., soil health and erosion practices) across the 25 county region and potentially the greater Midwest region.

Southeast Kansas is a dynamic agricultural region with substantial production of soybean, corn, winter wheat, and perennial forages with opportunities in grain sorghum, forage sorghum, cotton, and sunflower. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading an innovative and nationally recognized applied and integrated cropping systems research and extension program, focused on the design, evaluation, and implementation of cropping systems (including crop rotations, alternative crops, soil conservation, and regenerative agriculture practices). This candidate may have experience in areas of cropping systems, soil science, pest management, and/or precision agriculture.

We're proud to be recognized as one of the nation's top ag schools. It's an outgrowth of our dedication to advancing the science of agriculture and the art of teaching. Our faculty truly care about students, colleagues and the world we serve. Every day, we put our hands and minds together to work on better ways to achieve sustainability, feed billions, build agribusinesses and improve lives with thoughtful, well-researched use of plants, animals, numbers and words. Visit our website to learn more, https://www.ag.k-state.edu/

This position is On-site. This position is based on-site at SEREC headquarters near Parsons, Kansas (Labette County). The incumbent will maintain an active presence, engage in site management (e.g., coordinating research logistics with on-site farm manager and collaborators), and conduct field-based activities.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (at time of appointment) in Agronomy (crops, soils, forage, or weed science) or closely related field.
• Experience with field-and plot-level rainfed agricultural production systems.
• Demonstrated ability to operate or oversee field plot equipment and conduct/coordinate applied field research.
• Excellence in oral and written English communication.
• Proven ability of designing, implementing, and publishing applied research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven practical experience combined with a deep knowledge of corn and soybean production practices in the Midwest region.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with additional cropping systems relevant to the region including grain sorghum, winter wheat, cotton, and annual and perennial forages.
• Record of planning, delivering, or supporting impactful Extension programming at the local or state level.
• Understanding of economic factors influencing crop profitability and farmer decision-making in cropping systems.
• Success in grant writing, project management, and securing extramural funding.
• Proficiency in digital media for disseminating technical agronomic information.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and committed to creating an environment that fosters collegiality and teamwork.

Additional Role Information:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in all indoor/outdoor environments.
• Authorization to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Valid driver's license (or ability to obtain one) for regional travel.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Submit applications through the Kansas State University careers portal: https://careers.k-state.edu

Required materials:

1. Letter of application (max. 2 pages) articulating relevant experience/training, vision for Extension and applied research, and alignment with position qualifications.

2. Curriculum vitae.

3. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

4. Contact information (name, phone, email) for three professional references.

Contact for Inquiries

Dr. Bob Weaber, Professor and Head, Eastern Kansas Research-Extension Centers Email: bweaber@k-state.edu

Applications close on: February 28, 2026

Commensurate with experience and qualifications