Specialist - Teacher-Fixed Term
- Michigan State University
- United States, MI
- Jul 17, 2026
Job Description:
Position Summary
The Department of Plant, Soil & Microbial Sciences (PSM) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a fixed-term Teaching Specialist position with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2026. This is a full-time, nine-month academic-year appointment with primary responsibilities in teaching, laboratory instruction, recruitment, and service. The appointment is initially for one year with the possibility of subsequent renewal based on instructional needs, funding, performance, and departmental priorities.
This position plays an important role in supporting the department’s mission in undergraduate education. The successful candidate will contribute to delivering high-quality instruction across classroom and laboratory settings, with a particular emphasis on undergraduate education, experiential learning, and recruitment of our programs and department.
Courses may include agronomic computer applications, introduction to crop science, weed science, crop scouting & investigation, and other core areas within the PSM curriculum. Candidates should be able to effectively teach both lecture and lab courses while contributing to laboratory operations within a collaborative teaching environment. We are seeking an individual committed to excellence in instruction who is interested in building a long-term academic career centered on teaching, student learning, and engagement. The successful candidate will also contribute to student recruitment efforts, including outreach events and program promotion. This includes supporting and creating content for social media platforms to engage prospective students and highlight program and department strengths.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Agronomy, Crop Science, Weed Science, or closely related field
Desired Degree
Terminal -Agronomy, Crop Science, Weed Science, or closely related field
Minimum Requirements
-
Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Weed Science, or closely related field
-
Demonstrated ability to effectively teach undergraduate-level courses and/or laboratories
-
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage diverse student populations
-
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants, and students
-
Demonstrated ability to contribute to student recruitment efforts, including outreach events, campus visits, and prospective student engagement
-
Willingness to participate in service activities and support departmental communication and social media initiatives to promote programs and student success
Required Application Materials
-
A detailed curriculum vitae
-
A cover letter summarizing qualifications and interest in the position
-
A teaching vision statement
-
Names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references
Special Instructions
Inquiries regarding position can be directed to the PSM HR Team ([email protected])
Review of Applications Begins On
07/23/2026
Website
https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
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Job Description:
Position Summary
The Department of Plant, Soil & Microbial Sciences (PSM) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a fixed-term Teaching Specialist position with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2026. This is a full-time, nine-month academic-year appointment with primary responsibilities in teaching, laboratory instruction, recruitment, and service. The appointment is initially for one year with the possibility of subsequent renewal based on instructional needs, funding, performance, and departmental priorities.
This position plays an important role in supporting the department’s mission in undergraduate education. The successful candidate will contribute to delivering high-quality instruction across classroom and laboratory settings, with a particular emphasis on undergraduate education, experiential learning, and recruitment of our programs and department.
Courses may include agronomic computer applications, introduction to crop science, weed science, crop scouting & investigation, and other core areas within the PSM curriculum. Candidates should be able to effectively teach both lecture and lab courses while contributing to laboratory operations within a collaborative teaching environment. We are seeking an individual committed to excellence in instruction who is interested in building a long-term academic career centered on teaching, student learning, and engagement. The successful candidate will also contribute to student recruitment efforts, including outreach events and program promotion. This includes supporting and creating content for social media platforms to engage prospective students and highlight program and department strengths.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Agronomy, Crop Science, Weed Science, or closely related field
Desired Degree
Terminal -Agronomy, Crop Science, Weed Science, or closely related field
Minimum Requirements
-
Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Weed Science, or closely related field
-
Demonstrated ability to effectively teach undergraduate-level courses and/or laboratories
-
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage diverse student populations
-
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants, and students
-
Demonstrated ability to contribute to student recruitment efforts, including outreach events, campus visits, and prospective student engagement
-
Willingness to participate in service activities and support departmental communication and social media initiatives to promote programs and student success
Required Application Materials
-
A detailed curriculum vitae
-
A cover letter summarizing qualifications and interest in the position
-
A teaching vision statement
-
Names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references
Special Instructions
Inquiries regarding position can be directed to the PSM HR Team ([email protected])
Review of Applications Begins On
07/23/2026
Website
https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
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