Department:

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu .

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Summary of Job Duties: The successful candidate is expected to develop an active integrated extension and research program focusing on management of diseases impacting production and quality in rice and other major Arkansas crops. They will lead statewide efforts to educate farmers, extension agents, and seed and chemical industries on disease management. The successful candidate will focus on applied, field-based aspects of disease management and improvement of disease resistance/tolerance. Focal areas could include chemical control, improved host resistance, epidemiology, cultural practices, or other strategies to improve integrated management of crop plant diseases. Integration of county agents into extension activities, timely response to agent questions, development of training programs, and an applied research program to support extension efforts are essential to success. The incumbent is expected to extend information via a variety of platforms, including fact sheets, presentations at production or crop management meetings, websites, and social media. There is an expectation of conducting applied research, successful grantsmanship, publication of peer-reviewed research and participation at national and regional meetings. The candidate will mentor graduate students, provide service to the institution and state, and collaborate with extension and research faculty. The position requires willingness and flexibility to travel statewide.

Applications will be accepted until February 1, 2026.

Minimum Qualifications: A doctoral degree in plant pathology or related discipline is required. Strong oral and written communication skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in a cooperative extension program and rice field pathology is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated ability to work effectively across disciplines in applied agricultural systems.

Additional Information: The position is located at the University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center (RREC) in Stuttgart, AR, where there is potential for collaboration with scientists at the adjacent Dale Bumpers USDA-ARS National Rice Research Center. The RREC encompasses over 1,000 acres dedicated to testing, developing, and disseminating best practices for crop production. While rice is at the core of activity, the RREC is also a site for important research on soybeans, corn, grain sorghum, and wheat. In addition to resources for field and plot research, the RREC is home to high quality laboratory and greenhouse space, a large conference center, and a seed processing facility. More information is available for the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at https://enpl.uark.edu and the RREC at https://aaes.uada.edu/research-locations/rice-research-extension-center .

Candidates must apply online at https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS/job/Stuttgart/Assistant-Professor---Extension-Plant-Pathologist_R0080354-1 and include: 1) a cover letter; 2) a statement of extension and research interests; 3) curriculum vitae; and 4) contact information of three professional references. Potential candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Terry Spurlock ( tspurlock@uada.edu ) with questions about the position. Applications received by February 1, 2026 are assured full consideration.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Please provide 1) a cover letter; 2) a statement of extension and research interests; 3) curriculum vitae; and 4) contact information of three professional references.

Recruitment Contact Information: Dr. Terry Spurlock, tspurlock@uada.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS . Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.