Term Research Assistant Professor of Agriculture and Horticulture

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a top research university in the circumboreal north, and is on the leading edge of addressing agricultural production in a changing northern climate. This position is located in Fairbanks with the Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension (IANRE) and has access to three research farms in Fairbanks, Delta-Junction, and Palmer Alaska, as well as the Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks. Programs in the institute have a long history of working on agricultural and horticultural production projects including peony and rhodiola production, use of hoop houses and controlled environments, and production of annual specialty crops. IANRE has a long history of working with the agriculture and horticulture industry hosting conferences and trainings. The Institute maintains offices in key areas of agricultural production providing this position with an easy pathway to collaborate with industry stakeholders, and identify research priorities that have direct impact on production. In addition to agronomic researchers, the position will work with a well established Agriculture and Horticulture program with a long history of hosting the Master Gardener Program training in various parts of Alaska. The Institute provides a great opportunity to work with a dynamic group of professionals and stakeholders to address existing horticultural production issues.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an exciting venue to study agriculture and horticulture in a rapidly changing environment, providing unique economic opportunities. Come work with a well established foundational crew of agronomists, integrated pest management researchers and practitioners, and educators specializing in commercial agriculture and horticulture as well as gardening and home horticulture.

In this position, the successful candidate will conduct applied research on agricultural and horticultural crop production and markets. Research topics will encompass variety testing, developing practices suitable for both small- and large-scale production, and innovating solutions for challenges like pests and cultivation in cold climates. Collaborate with professional colleagues, industry members, and field representatives to develop and implement applied research programs, and design clear evaluation protocols to report on their impacts. Research progress will be communicated through reports and peer-reviewed journals. It is crucial that research results be communicated in a way that allows the public and industry professionals to adopt management solutions. This involves publishing easy-to-understand methods of plant cultivation and production, presenting research results to various audiences, and responding to questions from both the general public and industry professionals regarding production methods.

The successful candidate will also participate in extension activities, and collaborate with other faculty in the Master Gardener program to update the Master Gardener Manual as needed, maintain the online Canvas Master Gardener course, and assist Extension offices in policies and procedures to manage Master Gardener program volunteers. Publish Extension publications, and provide outreach through Extension outlets on topics of agriculture and horticulture.

The successful candidate will write interdisciplinary grant proposals that involve faculty, post-docs, graduate, and undergraduate students. The position is a 9-month term funded position, with possibility of extension to 12 months if additional funds are acquired. The candidate will be responsible for pursuing additional funding to compliment the base funded tasks.

As part of research and collaboration, the successful candidate will mentor undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds within the University of Alaska system. They will also collaborate with faculty and colleagues to evaluate and develop research strategies. This requires the ability to work successfully with multidisciplinary teams and effectively translate northern agriculture and stakeholder needs into relevant research approaches and projects. Collaborative work will include researchers in various Alaska locations and research organizations outside the state.

Service to IANRE, UAF and the profession is essential. Contributions include self-governance, planning, and administration, as well as representing UAF and IANRE in the university, state, or national committees, professional societies, and local groups.

To thrive in this role, a successful applicant must possess excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a specific emphasis on listening to and interpreting the needs of Alaska’s agricultural and horticultural food producers. You will be responsible for translating complex research findings into practical guidance for field production, communicating effectively with both technical and general audiences. Essential technical skills include the ability to address emerging issues such as new crop cultivation, crop pests management, and adapting to a changing climate.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field; a track record of demonstrated research excellence; the ability to develop research collaborations with private and public sector organizations. Or a combination of a Masters of Science in Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field, combined with successful acquisition of grants to perform research in this field.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks, Alaska.  This is a full-time, term-funded, exempt faculty position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. Salary is negotiable based on education and experience.

The ability to obtain an Alaska Driver's License and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria.

Applications will be accepted for review on February 2, 2026, to ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on DAY BEFORE REVIEW DATE February 1, 2026.  Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kenna Metivier, Signers' Business Office at kjmetivier@alaska.edu or 907-474-1847

This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC). https://unitedacademicsak.org/

This position is term-funded and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.