Lecturer/Teaching Assistant Professor – Plant Sciences (9-month non-tenure track faculty)

Job Description

The Plant Sciences Department in the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is searching for a Lecturer or Teaching Assistant Professor to fill a 9-month position in the Plant Sciences (PLSC) undergraduate program. The successful candidate will be responsible for working with the PLSC program faculty, department head, and professional advisors to deliver coursework which will primarily complement the online delivery of PLSC undergraduate curriculum. The candidate should be willing to engage in innovative and interdisciplinary teaching and program development.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System and is classified as a Carnegie R1 (Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity) institution. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) provides Real. Life. Solutions. through teaching, discovery, and outreach. UTIA is committed to excellence in developing solutions to agricultural, environmental, and natural resource challenges across Tennessee and beyond.

UTIA is located in Knoxville, a vibrant city surrounded by beautiful natural areas including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and offers an excellent quality of life.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Teaching up to 12 credit hours per semester within the PLSC undergraduate curriculum.
• Promoting and advancing the PLSC program through activities that strengthen online programming, enrollment, and visibility.
• Supporting the continued development and modernization of departmental curriculum, including the emerging Plant Sciences online minor.
• Mentoring undergraduate students, supporting student enrichment activities, and supporting student professional development.
• Contributing to the development of a nationally recognized Plant Sciences online degree program by participating in professional organizations, contributing to the scholarship of teaching and learning, and incorporating innovative instructional methods, software, and equipment that enhance student learning outcomes.
• Meet regularly with the Office of Digital Learning (https://digitallearning.utk.edu/).
• Act as the main departmental liaison to the Office of Digital Learning and VolsOnline.
• Record online lectures in collaboration with UTK Learning Digital Studio (https://digitallearning.utk.edu/support/faculty-support/media-studio/).

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, or a closely related field is required by the time of hire for appointment as a Lecturer. A Ph.D. or other terminal degree in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, or a closely related field is required by the time of hire for appointment as a Teaching Assistant Professor.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to integrate information technology into course delivery.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in online or hybrid instruction or other teaching experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing, designing, or significantly revising online or hybrid courses using evidence- based instructional practices.
• Horticulture or other Plant Sciences related work experience
• Experience with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas)
• Commitment to innovative teaching
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
• Experience with outreach, recruitment, or initiatives that promote academic programs
• Experience with curriculum development and course assessment

Additional Information

Compensation is competitive and will be based on experience and qualifications. The University of Tennessee offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, including health and dental insurance, life insurance and multiple retirement plans. Additional information can be found at https://tennessee.edu/about/divisions/finance-admin/hr/payroll-benefits-retirement/.

Location requirements:

Knoxville, Tennessee, or hybrid/remote. Hybrid-remote employees must be able to travel to Knoxville approximately one to three times per month for activities that may include faculty meetings, committee meetings, recording instructional materials in the Digital Learning Studio, and meetings with the Office of Digital Learning.

State Botanic Garden of Tennessee: UTK is home to the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee which is used as a significant outdoor teaching resource for classes in the department of Plant Sciences. utgardens.tennessee.edu

Application Instructions

The Search Committee will begin application review and continue to receive applications until an appointment is made. Any questions regarding this position can be emailed to Dr. Andy Pulte at apulte@utk.edu, the Chair of the Search Committee.

Applications will be reviewed beginning September 15, 2026 in anticipation of a start date of January 1, 2027. Applications should include: (1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant’s qualifications and experience; (2) a complete curriculum vitae/resume; and (3) names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least five professional references that the Search Committee may contact in the final stages of the interview process. Application materials should be submitted via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/190124.