Research Assistant Professor/Research Associate Professor(Horticulture/Pomologist)

* Establish and maintain a world-class research program focused on innovative fruit and nut crop production systems that support orchard systems suited to the Texas climate and soils. Focus on alleviating horticultural challenges faced by small-scale farmers engaged in fruit and nut tree crop production. Research priorities include identifying suitable cultivars, sustainable propagation techniques, pest and disease management, fruit quality enhancement, post-harvest physiology, and climate resilience.* Acquire external grants to support the impactful and relevant research program through collaborations with internal and external partners.* Establish and maintain an orchard showcasing fruit/nut species adapted to the local area, and use orchard as a training site for students, communities, and home gardeners.* Teach a course with laboratory and field exercises related to pomology.* Train graduate and undergraduate students in fruit/nut production-related research as well as mentor postdoctoral researchers.* Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present at scientific conferences.* Collaborate with PVAMU Extension on outreach activities and fact sheet development.* Strengthen plant science research in CAFNR by enhancing research infrastructure, capabilities, and acquiring research equipment.* Participate in and support college-wide events, activities, and serve on committees.* Performs other duties as assigned.* Doctorate degree in Horticulture with a focus in Pomology or a closely related discipline.* Six years of related experience in fruit/nut crop production.* Evidence of scholarly productivity including peer reviewed publications and extension bulletins, fact sheets, and workshops conducted.* Demonstrated research expertise in fruit production research and managing fruit tree farms.* Demonstrated ability to acquire external research grants.* Ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.* Ability to develop clear short-term and long-term research programs addressing major issues in fruit crop production.* Experience conducting interdisciplinary and collaborative research.* Demonstrated experience in extension, outreach and stakeholder engagement.* Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others, i.e., collegiality.* Strong verbal and written communication skills.**Background Check Requirements:** For more than 140 years, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) has been igniting passion in its students. With an established reputation for producing engineers, nurses, and educators, PVAMU offers baccalaureate degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degree programs through nine colleges and schools. The University has an enrollment of more than 8,500 students. Designated an institution of “the first class” in the Texas Constitution, PVAMU is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state and a member of The Texas A&M University System. The University is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research, and service. PVAMU is conveniently located near the rapidly growing residential and commercial area known as the Northwest Houston Corridor. The developing Northwest Houston Corridor offers newly developed suburban communities, a variety of shopping and dining near the Houston Premium Outlets and is a short, 35-minute commute into downtown Houston. #J-18808-Ljbffr Prairie View A&M University