Assistant Professor in Agricultural Disease Modeling in a Changing Climate

The University of California, Riverside is seeking an Assistant Professor in Agricultural Disease Modeling. This position focuses on developing mathematical and computational models to analyze plant diseases and their vectors, particularly in the context of climate change. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field, strong research experience, and teaching capabilities. Responsibilities include establishing a research program, teaching courses, mentoring students, and engaging in departmental service. The position is available starting July 1, 2025.
The Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology at the University of California Riverside invites applicants for an Assistant Professor position in Disease Modeling for Agriculture and the Environment with a focus ranging from modeling diseases in agriculture to environmental issues in natural ecosystems. Infectious diseases of plants (viral, bacterial, fungal, oomycete, nematode) and their vectors pose major threats to agricultural productivity, socio-economic development, and the ecological integrity of natural environments. There are widespread concerns that social and natural disasters caused by plant diseases may increase with climate change and other human activities. Computer modeling offers an opportunity to address this concern, as well as issues related to the spread and control of pathogens in the current environment. This position will focus on developing mathematical and computational models of pathosystems using data on the pathogen, plant, environment, and vectors with consideration of interactions that occur over time, space, and/or environmental changes. It may also take an evolutionary perspective to examine the adaptability of pathogens and their hosts. Consistent with the AES mission, the work is expected to contribute to our understanding of disease spread, to inform national and international decision-makers, and help society prepare for economic, agricultural, and ecological emergencies. The ideal candidate is expected to use cutting-edge approaches in computational modeling, statistics, and possibly pathogen biology or systems biology. Much of the activity is anticipated to involve the use of large-scale and large-capacity data analysis with the aid of deep learning, machine, or other artificial learning technologies. Opportunities exist for collaborations with faculty in our department with a focus on plant pathogens and our faculty studying human diseases, food safety, or food security.

The position is an academic year (9-month) appointment in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences housed on the UCR campus and available to start as early as July 1, 2025. The candidate is expected to establish an internationally recognized, externally funded research program, to work in an integrative multidisciplinary environment, to communicate their work effectively to a broader public, to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, to mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and to participate in departmental and campus service.

Required qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include a Ph.D. in an advanced science related to computational data analysis and have relevant experience in Mycology, Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, or other relevant disciplines; a record of strong research productivity and scholarship; the ability to teach disease modeling in microbiology, plant pathology, mycology, or related classes; and excellent communication skills. Preferred qualifications include postdoctoral experience and some experience in teaching.

Advancement through the faculty ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

To apply: submit a Cover Letter describing background and interests, Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Research/Scholarly Activities with solid evidence of a Future Research Plan (3 page maximum), Statement of Teaching Philosophy (2 page maximum), Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (2 page maximum), and 3 letters of recommendation to [https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02021]. Please provide the contact information for a minimum of three references. You will need to request the confidential reference letters via AP Recruit as part of your application. Initial review of applications will commence on January 6, 2025, and proceed until position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above due date. 

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. James E. Adaskaveg, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, at jim.adaskaveg@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Ashleigh Bennett, Academic Personnel, at ashleigh.bennett@ucr.edu.