What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor or Assistant Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences position at Cameron University?
Cameron University invites applications for a full-time, regular position as an Assistant Professor or Instructor of Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences with a focus on Plant and Soil Science. This entry-level, potential tenure-track position offers an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team in Lawton, contributing to the academic growth and research in the fields of agriculture and biological sciences. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality instruction in plant and soil science courses at the undergraduate level. They will develop and teach courses that may include, but are not limited to, AGRN 3213, Forage, Range, and Pasture Plants, AGRN 3513 Fiber and Oilseed Crops, and courses in the required core of the B.S. in Agriculture degree, including AGRC 1214 Introduction to Plant Science and AGRC 2124 Fundamentals of Soil Science. In addition, the faculty member hired in this position will teach elective courses that fulfill elective requirements in the agriculture major and other majors. The role requires active engagement in scholarly activities, including research and publication, that contribute to the academic and professional communities. The candidate will also be expected to participate in curriculum development, academic advising, and serve on departmental and university committees. Additional responsibilities include mentoring students, overseeing student research projects, and contributing to the continuous improvement of the department. The Assistant Professor or Instructor will collaborate with colleagues to enhance the department's reputation and ensure the highest standards of academic excellence are met. The position requires negligible travel and is based at the Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences department in Lawton. This is a long-term role with the potential for tenure, reflecting the university's commitment to academic excellence and faculty development. The selected candidate will be offered a competitive annual salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Minimum Qualifications
For appointment at the rank of Instructor a Master’s degree in agronomy or a related field is required. For appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure track) a Ph.D. in agronomy or a related field is required. The successful candidate must be prepared to teach the breadth of plant science and soil science courses required in the agriculture core and in the agronomy option, as well as elective courses that support the major.
Preferred Qualifications
We especially seek applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have broad training in agronomy or in a related field along with professional experience in agriculture. Demonstrated successful higher education teaching experience including experience in developing and offering online courses is desired, as is experience in agronomic research.
The Department
The department is one of the largest at Cameron University and offers the B.S. in Agriculture with options in agribusiness management, agronomy, animal science, and general agriculture, and the B.S. in Biology with options in cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, and medical laboratory science. In addition, the department offers an A.S. in Allied Health Sciences, an A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology, and an A.A.S. in Respiratory Care. The department is housed in the Sciences Complex, a ca. 90,000 ft2 facility that was dedicated in 1998 that includes modern classrooms and teaching laboratories, along with shared research space and instrumentation, as well as the McMahon Gross Anatomy Laboratory. The department also oversees the Cameron University Farm, which includes dedicated classroom and laboratory facilities for plant science and animal science and a greenhouse. The University Farm is located adjacent to campus and includes pasture and animal holding facilities, plus additional nearby pasture and hay fields, and leased pasture. The department operates three greenhouses that can be used for education and research. In addition, courses may be taught at the Duncan, OK campus, which includes two newly opened laboratories, and at nearby Great Plains Technology Center. University support for faculty scholarship is available on a competitive basis through funds from numerous endowed lectureships, and the university provides additional internal funding to support faculty development, faculty scholarship, and innovative instructional approaches. Additional information about the department can be found online at https://www.cameron.edu/ag-bio-health.
The University
Cameron University (www.cameron.edu) is a state-supported regional institution located in Lawton, Oklahoma, that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Dedicated to excellence, the university provides a wide range of economic, cultural, and educational opportunities for the betterment of all citizens. Master's-level graduate degrees are offered in business, behavioral sciences, and education; baccalaureate programs are offered in more than forty disciplines; and associate degrees are offered in many others. The close proximity of Fort Sill contributes to an area rich in cultural diversity and provides the opportunity for frequent cooperative efforts. The combined community of Lawton/Fort Sill has a population of more than 100,000 and is located adjacent to the picturesque Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. A copy of the University’s Annual Security Report, including crime statistics and university policies, is available by contacting the Office of Public Safety or by accessing the report online at www.cameron.edu/ops.
Salary
Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application Procedure
Application materials must be submitted online (https://cameronhr.silkroad.com) and must include (1) a cover letter that addresses the applicant’s qualifications for the position, (2) a C.V. or resume that includes a list of three to five professional references with their current contact information, (3) copies of transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable at this time), (4) a statement of scholarship interests, and (5) a statement of teaching philosophy. Transcripts must be combined into a single PDF before uploading. Finalists must satisfactorily complete a background check and have all official transcripts sent directly to the university before the beginning of the contract period. The position will begin by August 11, 2025. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Matt Van Sant, Chairperson of the Department of Agriculture, Biology & Health Sciences, at mvansant@cameron.edu
EEO/AA Employer/Vets/Disability
Minimum Qualifications
For appointment at the rank of Instructor a Master’s degree in agronomy or a related field is required. For appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure track) a Ph.D. in agronomy or a related field is required. The successful candidate must be prepared to teach the breadth of plant science and soil science courses required in the agriculture core and in the agronomy option, as well as elective courses that support the major.
Preferred Qualifications
We especially seek applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have broad training in agronomy or in a related field along with professional experience in agriculture. Demonstrated successful higher education teaching experience including experience in developing and offering online courses is desired, as is experience in agronomic research.
The Department
The department is one of the largest at Cameron University and offers the B.S. in Agriculture with options in agribusiness management, agronomy, animal science, and general agriculture, and the B.S. in Biology with options in cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, and medical laboratory science. In addition, the department offers an A.S. in Allied Health Sciences, an A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology, and an A.A.S. in Respiratory Care. The department is housed in the Sciences Complex, a ca. 90,000 ft2 facility that was dedicated in 1998 that includes modern classrooms and teaching laboratories, along with shared research space and instrumentation, as well as the McMahon Gross Anatomy Laboratory. The department also oversees the Cameron University Farm, which includes dedicated classroom and laboratory facilities for plant science and animal science and a greenhouse. The University Farm is located adjacent to campus and includes pasture and animal holding facilities, plus additional nearby pasture and hay fields, and leased pasture. The department operates three greenhouses that can be used for education and research. In addition, courses may be taught at the Duncan, OK campus, which includes two newly opened laboratories, and at nearby Great Plains Technology Center. University support for faculty scholarship is available on a competitive basis through funds from numerous endowed lectureships, and the university provides additional internal funding to support faculty development, faculty scholarship, and innovative instructional approaches. Additional information about the department can be found online at https://www.cameron.edu/ag-bio-health.
The University
Cameron University (www.cameron.edu) is a state-supported regional institution located in Lawton, Oklahoma, that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Dedicated to excellence, the university provides a wide range of economic, cultural, and educational opportunities for the betterment of all citizens. Master's-level graduate degrees are offered in business, behavioral sciences, and education; baccalaureate programs are offered in more than forty disciplines; and associate degrees are offered in many others. The close proximity of Fort Sill contributes to an area rich in cultural diversity and provides the opportunity for frequent cooperative efforts. The combined community of Lawton/Fort Sill has a population of more than 100,000 and is located adjacent to the picturesque Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. A copy of the University’s Annual Security Report, including crime statistics and university policies, is available by contacting the Office of Public Safety or by accessing the report online at www.cameron.edu/ops.
Salary
Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application Procedure
Application materials must be submitted online (https://cameronhr.silkroad.com) and must include (1) a cover letter that addresses the applicant’s qualifications for the position, (2) a C.V. or resume that includes a list of three to five professional references with their current contact information, (3) copies of transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable at this time), (4) a statement of scholarship interests, and (5) a statement of teaching philosophy. Transcripts must be combined into a single PDF before uploading. Finalists must satisfactorily complete a background check and have all official transcripts sent directly to the university before the beginning of the contract period. The position will begin by August 11, 2025. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Matt Van Sant, Chairperson of the Department of Agriculture, Biology & Health Sciences, at mvansant@cameron.edu
EEO/AA Employer/Vets/Disability
