Tenure Faculty - Urban Horticulture

Assistant Professor [Urban Horticulture], nine (9) month, tenure track effective January 1, 2025 or August 16, 2025. This position will advance sustainable urban horticulture systems by working with undergraduate and graduate students, industry professionals, botanical gardens, and non-profit organizations. The successful candidate should possess the ability to incorporate all aspects of this emerging horticultural industry into teaching, research, and outreach programs to complement existing faculty.

• Develop a nationally recognized, extramurally funded research program in urban horticulture.

• The individual is expected to conduct applied research and deliver readily adaptive technologies to stakeholders in Illinois and the Midwest region.

• Program objectives will include ecologically based sustainable alternatives to current industry production practices with a focus on using management practices that will enhance the Illinois horticulture industry by improving productivity, profitability, and stewardship of natural resources.

• Responsibilities include the maintenance of ecologically based demonstration projects, such as the green roof and greenwall, on the SIUC campus to support teaching, research, and outreach programs. Public service activities include planning and participation in field days, and education of stakeholders on adaptation of urban horticulture systems.

• Candidate will also be expected to advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students and serve on graduate student committees.

• Expected teaching load is 2 courses in the Fall and 2 courses in the Spring semester.

• Teaching duties will include (1) graduate and (3) undergraduate level courses in horticulture with the potential for online and hybrid teaching opportunities. Course requirements include: 

• HORT 410 - Urban Horticulture, 

• HORT 327 - Woody Ornamentals, 

• HORT 430 - Plant Propagation, 

• HORT 434 - Landscape Maintenance Operations (every other year), and a graduate course in candidates' area of expertise (every other year).

Minimum Qualification:

A Ph.D. by date of hire in Horticultural Science, Plant Science, or related discipline. Broad understanding and experience in ecologically based urban horticulture is required, along with having the potential for excellence in teaching. Candidate must also possess the ability to communicate effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated the ability to secure research grant support and are published in peer-reviewed journals.

Contact: Stuart Walters, awalters@siu.edu