Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25043

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Dr. Chaofu Lu

clu@montana.edu

(406) 994-5741

Classification Title

Working Title Assistant Professor of Agricultural Process Engineering

Brief Position Overview

The position will support MSU’s land-grant mission by integrating research, teaching, and service in the areas of agricultural process engineering focused on producing higher value fuel, food, feed and industrial products from Montana’s agricultural commodities. This position will contribute to MSU’s strategic focus on the grand challenge of food and fuel systems. The position will also uphold MSU’s core values of inclusion, collaboration, curiosity, and stewardship. The individual in this position will collaborate with MSU researchers and the agricultural processing industry to develop innovative solutions to MT specific challenges to adding value to MT grown commodities to enhance Montana’s agricultural economy.

Faculty Tenure Track Yes

Faculty Rank TT

Position Number 4A3075

Department Dean of Agriculture

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type Faculty

Contract Term Academic Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type MUS

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

MSU and Montana farmers need research and teaching programs focused on agricultural engineering to enhance the value of and demand for our commodities, increase economic return for MT growers, and prepare our students for careers. Expertise in agricultural process engineering is needed to train MSU students to become innovators and develop successful careers in agricultural and food processing industries in Montana and beyond. Developing higher value products (fuel, feed, food and industrial products) from Montana commodities is essential for supporting and growing our agriculture-based MT economy. The research and outreach of faculty in this area will require collaboration within MSU , with other universities, and with agricultural producers and industries in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

60% research, 30% teaching, 10% service

Functions for this 9-month academic year, tenure-track appointment includes:

• Research and teaching in post-harvest processing of agricultural commodities including oilseed, cereal, pulse, and other crops.

• Develop new value-added products from agricultural commodities and byproducts produced in Montana, with preference to oilseed crops.

• Graduate and undergraduate advising and mentoring.

• Collaborate with agriculture and engineering faculty.

• Partner with agricultural processing industries in Montana to address their needs through innovative research and development contributing to Montana’s bioeconomy.

• Outreach programs focused on transferring enhanced processing technologies to producers and processors of agricultural commodities.

• Relevant university and professional service.

  Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• A Ph.D. (completed at time of hire) in Biosystems, Chemical, Biological or similarly named Engineering, with a focus on Agricultural Commodity (seed or plant) processing/manufacturing.

• Demonstrated potential for excellence in research, teaching, and service, commensurate with career level.

• Record of publishing in refereed journals.

• Demonstrated experience in teaching.

• Demonstrated potential to develop a research program that supports Montana State’s Land Grant mission in agricultural processing and MSU’s Grand Challenges (https://www.montana.edu/strategicplan/improvinglives.html)

  Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrated experience in conducting research or industrial production of Agricultural Commodity processing/manufacturing or food processing systems.

• Post-doctoral experience and demonstrated productivity in basic and applied research using engineering and processing of plant-based commodities.

• Experience with oilseed byproduct development.

• Demonstrated ability to enhance value of commodity fractionated components rather than whole seed.

• Previous research, teaching, and service experience relevant to the position description.

• Demonstrated potential to secure extramural funding.

• Evidence of successful collaboration and interaction with relevant academic groups, agencies, or industries.

• Evidence of potential for successful advising and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.

  The Successful Candidate Will

• Possess excellent written and oral English communication skills.

• Possess effective interpersonal skills.

• Be committed to Montana State University’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.

• Exhibit excellent technical writing skills as evidenced by peer reviewed publications and/or awarded grants, and exceptional speaking/teaching skills as evidenced by national and/or international oral presentations and teaching experience.

• Be a dynamic and visionary scientist and educator who will advance MSU’s goals of outstanding research, teaching, and service.

• Be collegial and collaborative in research endeavors.

  Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The Program

The Department

In the College of Agriculture ( COA ), a blend of learning, discovery and outreach reflect our university’s Land Grant designation. Through a federal/state partnership with the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (https://agresearch.montana.edu/researchcenters.html) ( MAES ) and MSU Extension (https://www.montana.edu/extension/) , we strive for excellence and innovation in education, research and engagement as the land-grant institution committed to the integration of scholarly activities (research, teaching, and outreach) in service to the citizens of Montana. The College of Agriculture has a lively research culture and academic programs, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. Montana State University provides education, research, and outreach programs focused on meeting the changing needs of Montana. The College of Agriculture and MAES generate and disseminate superior knowledge and technological solutions to increase the competitiveness of Montana’s communities, preserve environmental quality, and improve the quality of life for all our citizens. COA and MAES are made up of seven departments, any of which could house this position. Departments – College of Agriculture | Montana State University (https://agriculture.montana.edu/departments/index.html) .

The College

MSU was founded in 1893 as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana. Today, the College of Agriculture is an integral part of fulfilling MSU’s land grant mission serving the sons and daughters of our state. The Montana Agricultural Experiment Station ( MAES ) creates opportunities for students and faculty to excel through hands-on learning; to serve through campus and community engagement; to explore unique solutions to distinct and interesting questions; and to connect Montanans with the global community.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on January 15, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

To apply please submit the following:

• A cover letter specifically addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications.

• Curriculum Vita.

• Contact information for three (3) references, including current direct supervisors

  EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.