Cropping Systems Agronomist

This tenure-track position (60% research, 40% extension) is part of a cluster hire of faculty affiliated with the Kansas Water Institute with a focus on designing cropping systems that optimize water use efficiency under dryland or limited irrigation conditions. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading an innovative and nationally recognized applied cropping systems research and extension program, focused on the design, evaluation, and implementation of cropping systems (including crop rotations, alternative crops, soil conservation, and regenerative agriculture practices) that optimize water use and productivity. While the primary emphasis will be on dryland systems and limited irrigation, cropping systems design may include balancing water resources to fully irrigate smaller acres to advance water-use efficiency and system resilience. Successful candidates will have in-depth knowledge of how the whole production system impacts water management beyond the production year. The successful candidate will partner with stakeholders in groundwater management districts, agribusiness and agricultural industries to focus on enhancing and expanding educational resources and research initiatives for the established Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA) in Northwest and West Central Kansas. This position will develop a research and extension program addressing the needs of Northwest Kansas through investigation of alternative cropping systems, collaboration with other disciplines, and engagement in applied research and Extension scholarship. The successful candidate is expected to secure extramural funding, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams that support Extension goals in western Kansas and achieve state, regional and national impact.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays.

This position is Hybrid eligible. Hybrid worksite eligible. Work may be performed on employer premises, designated assignment location, and/or performed in a semi-remote capacity. An employee working remotely must reside within western Kansas and comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Expectations are for the successful candidate to be on site, actively present, and closely involved in management of the Colby site, especially during seasonally intensive field research periods of the year.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. at the time of appointment in agronomy (crops, soils, range, forage, or weed science) or a related field.
• Experience with field-and plot-level irrigated and dryland agricultural production systems.
• Demonstrated ability to operate field plot equipment, conduct and coordinate applied field research.
• Proficient in oral and written English communication
• Proven ability or potential to design, implement, and publish applied research in peer-reviewed journals.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working experience and good understanding of High Plains or Midwest crop production systems and practices.
• Crop production-related knowledge of crops grown in the High Plains region, including corn, grain sorghum, and/or winter wheat enterprises, with additional knowledge of forages, canola, dry beans and sunflowers being a great benefit.
• Working experience with planning, delivering and/or providing support for Extension-type public educational programming.

Preferred licenses / registrations / certifications:

• Valid Driver's License

Additional Role Information:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in all indoor/outdoor environments

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

• A letter of application articulating experience or training relative to the qualifications for the position, including a statement of interest and vision regarding extension and applied research. (Maximum of 2 pages).
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three letters of references.

Applications close on:01/31/2026

$90,000.00- $150,000.00