Date of posting here January 27, 2008 Type of position University Post-Doctorial position - term position for at least 24 mo. Employer Penn State University Location University Park, PA Description of Location The University Park campus of The Pennsylvania State University, is situated within the city of State College. Student enrollment at University Park is approximately 41,000. State College and its surrounding area have a population of about 80,000. The surrounding area is a mix of agricultural and forested land with an Appalachian ridge and valley topography. The local community is one of the most attractive in Pennsylvania, with excellent schools and frequent cultural and sporting events. New York City and Washington, DC are within a four-hour drive, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities (including fly fishing, hiking, and skiing) are available close to State College. Salary Competitive, commensurate with background and experience. Benefits An attractive benefits (health and retirement) package is available. Closing date of competition until suitable candidate is found. Date position available Spring, 2008 Description of duties Post-doctoral scientist in Weed/Crop Ecology at Penn State University working on an interdisciplinary team focused on weed population dynamics and management in organic and sustainable cropping systems. This project will investigate the effects of cover crop planting and termination date on weed management and subsequent crop yield across varying initial weed population densities in conservation tillage systems. Experiments will be conducted jointly at Penn State University, the University of Maryland, Virginia Tech, the USDA-ARS unit at Beltsville, MD, and The Rodale Institute that target producers based on regional differences, management constraints and stakeholder interests. The successful candidate will direct this new effort in collaboration with the other investigators to publish the findings of the study, and participate in extension and grant-writing activities. Qualifications sought PhD in weed science, agro-ecology or closely related discipline. Experience working with cover crops, reduced tillage, and in more complex cropping systems is desired but not required. Strong analytical skills and demonstrated oral and written communication skills. The post-doctoral scientist will work directly in collaboration with Dave Mortensen (weed ecology), Bill Curran (weed science), graduate and undergraduate students, technicians, and collaborators at participating institutions in guiding the research and outreach education associated with the project. Contact for additional information Bill Curran office: 814-863-1014 mobile: 814-574-0202 email: wcurran@psu.edu Dave Mortensen office: 814-863-6679 email: dmortensen@psu.edu Application procedure   Submit what Applicants should submit letter of interest describing their background, career goals, and interest in the position, vita including list of publications, and contact information for at least four persons of reference. Submit to Bill Curran Dept. Crop and Soil Sciences Penn State University University Park, PA 16802 814-863-1014 office 814-863-7043 fax