Assistant Professor or Lecturer - Agriculture and STEM outreach

Assistant Professor OR Full-Time Lecturer Position in Agriculture and STEM outreach

The University of Minnesota Crookston, one of five campuses comprising the University of Minnesota system, invites applications for a full time, 12-month faculty member to teach undergraduate-level courses (65%) and provide outreach to regional secondary schools focused on agriculture and STEM education and career pathways (35%). Individuals with a terminal degree and demonstrated potential for research will be considered for a tenure-line appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. Individuals with a master's degree and/or a terminal degree but without an interest in research will be considered for a full-time Lecturer appointment.

Located on the campus of the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN-Crookston), this faculty position is split between UMN-Crookston (65%) and University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development (35%). This is a full-time, twelve-month tenure line Assistant Professor position or Lecturer position housed in either the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department or the Math, Science and Technology Department on the UMN-Crookston campus, starting August 11, 2025, or as negotiated.

Responsibilities

The faculty portion of this appointment (65%) requires delivery of high-quality undergraduate instruction to students in the in the Math, Science and Technology Department or the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department on the UMN-Crookston campus, in-person or online. Undergraduate course responsibilities will be assigned based on candidate expertise but may include courses in the traditional STEM fields (biology, chemistry, nutrition, or others), in Biology/science education, or courses in the applied agricultural disciplines (agricultural education, agronomy, precision agriculture, facilities, natural resources, horticulture, or others).

The outreach and Extension portion of this appointment (35%) will include close collaboration with the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development as well as UMN Crookston's Center for Rural Education in Science and Technology(CREST) to offer regional programming to youth in grades K-12 focused on STEM and Agri-science education and associated career pathway exploration.

This position, along with our CREST initiatives, will primarily focus on enhancing and improving STEM and agriculture content accessibility and pedagogy development in the context of rural education in K-12 and out-of-school time settings. This portion of the appointment requires significant travel throughout Minnesota. This position is expected to work closely with University of Minnesota Extension and lead efforts to expand 4-H STEM and Agri-science programming and career exploration through internal and external partnerships, including program design, delivery, reporting, and evaluation. This position will work directly with Extension Educators, K-12 teachers, youth workers and children through teaching and program design and delivery.

The candidate will also be expected to provide leadership and assistance in the development and implementation of UMN-Crookston's academic program goals and objectives; advise undergraduate students; participate in undergraduate program recruitment and retention efforts; help expand the network with industry to benefit programs and student experiences, as well as employment opportunities for our graduates; help coordinate on-campus FFA events, our Agriculture and Natural Resources Activity Day, and other community engagement activities; provide service to the department, institution, and profession; and work collaboratively with a highly interdisciplinary faculty. The position requires regular office hours, instruction, and engagement in service activities on the University of Minnesota Crookston campus. The University of Minnesota does not sponsor work visa applications.

Candidates who wish to be considered for a tenure line appointment are expected to establish a successful research program that may include research in their academic discipline or in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Tenure-line appointments carry a 19.5-credit teaching load (typically three courses per semester).

Candidates who wish to be considered for a full-time Lecturer appointment are not expected to establish a research agenda. Lecturer appointments carry a 19.5-credit teaching load (typically three courses per semester).

Assistant Professor:
Minimum Qualifications

• For a tenure-line appointment, we require a Doctorate degree in a relevant field with at least 18 graduate credits in the relevant discipline. ABD will also be considered;
• At least 2 years experience designing, delivering, and assessing agriculture and/or STEM outreach and engagement programs. Appropriate middle/high school teacher licensure and teaching experience may satisfy this requirement;
• Effective communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information in clear and concise language and demonstrations that are appropriate for middle and high school students;
• Ability to deliver effective undergraduate teaching, both on campus and online;
• Ability to draw upon cultural and community-based knowledge in teaching;
• Ability to demonstrate cultural competency within the scope of the land grant mission;
• Ability to read, write, and understand English;
• Commitment to an experiential educational philosophy within the scope of the land grant mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• University teaching experience;
• Current middle/high school teaching licensure for teaching agriculture or the STEM disciplines;
• Research experience at an academic institution;
• Experience in writing and administering grants;
• Familiarity with computer-based instructional technology;
• Proficiency in a second language, preferably Spanish.
  

Lecturer
Minimum Qualifications

• For a Lecturer appointment, we require a Master's degree in a relevant field with at least 18 graduate credits in the relevant discipline;
• At least 2 years experience designing, delivering, and assessing agriculture and/or STEM outreach and engagement programs. Appropriate middle/high school teacher licensure and teaching experience may satisfy this requirement;
• Effective communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information in clear and concise language and demonstrations that are appropriate for middle and high school students;
• Ability to deliver effective undergraduate teaching, both on campus and online;
• Ability to draw upon cultural and community-based knowledge in teaching;
• Ability to demonstrate cultural competency within the scope of the land grant mission;
• Ability to read, write, and understand English;
• Commitment to an experiential educational philosophy within the scope of the land grant mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• University teaching experience;
• Current middle/high school teaching licensure for teaching agriculture or the STEM disciplines;
• Research experience at an academic institution;
• Experience in writing and administering grants;
• Familiarity with computer-based instructional technology;
• Proficiency in a second language, preferably Spanish.
  

This is a dual opening for a Assistant Professor OR a Lecturer.

Salary Range:

Lecturer: $65,000 - $75,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Assistant Professor: $75,000 - $88,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

Review of applications will begin March 10, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Application materials must include a current curriculum vita, a cover letter, copies of all college transcripts, and a list of 3-5 professional references. In addition to addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications, the cover letter must address indicators of the candidate's ability to promote equity and inclusion at a small campus in a rural context. Complete your application electronically (https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job). Calls of inquiry welcome by contacting Dr. Anthony Kern, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at 218-281-8360 or via email at akern@umn.edu.

The final job offer is contingent upon a complete background check and receipt of official transcripts.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN Crookston) is dedicated to equitable and inclusive education as well as to its access mission as a land-grant university. With an enrollment of 1,750 students spanning on-campus and online programs, UMN Crookston serves the highest proportions of first generation, low-income, rural, and adult learner populations within the University of Minnesota system. The racial diversity of the student body is significantly higher than that of the region, though it lags behind the demographics of elementary and high schools in the region. UMN Crookston has strategically committed to closing this gap by further diversifying its faculty, student affairs staff, and student body. As a part of its commitment to comprehensive equity and inclusion, UMN Crookston is a leading educational provider for college students from rural communities, and the university partners with several regional high schools to offer non degree dual-enrollment options for high school students.

Located in the small college town of Crookston, Minnesota, UMN Crookston proudly carries on a tradition of over a century of educational service to northwestern Minnesota. UMN Crookston delivers educational programs that build upon a broad academic foundation and combine theory, practice, and experiential learning. Since 1993, UMN Crookston has equipped all on-campus students and faculty with laptop computers. UMN Crookston has received national recognitions for the value of its education, affordability, and impact on social mobility. U.S. News recently named UMN Crookston the "Midwest Top Public Regional College."

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.