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Work Location: This position will be domiciled at the Sweet Potato Research Station (Northeast Region) located near Winnsboro, LA. Winnsboro has a population of just over 4,000 and is the parish seat of Franklin Parish.  Louisiana is ranked fourth in sweet potato production in the United States.  The LSU AgCenter has a multidisciplinary research and extension team dedicated to improving production and pest management of sweet potatoes.  The Sweet Potato Research Station is the only research station in the United States solely dedicated to sweet potato research and development.  This position will serve the entirety of the sweet potato production areas of Louisiana.  Sweet potatoes are grown throughout Louisiana; however, the majority of commercial production is located in the northeast parishes of (West Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse and Richland).  Additionally, there is significant production in several southern parishes including, Acadia, Avoyelles, St. Landry and Evangeline.   This position will also serve as the on-site coordinator of the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Foundation Seed Program.  The Foundation Seed Program is one of six National Clean Plant Centers for Sweet Potato in the United States and serves as a critical service unit providing clean seed and plant material to the sweet potato industry. 

Position Description: The position is a full-time 12-month, tenure track position with an 80% extension / 20% research appointment.  The candidate will be required to cooperate with research and extension faculty to support the mission and overall goals of the LSU AgCenter.  The incumbent will work closely with LSU AgCenter and other Land Grant scientists to develop and deliver research-based information to sweet potato clientele. The specialist will focus on developing and delivering production information to Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Agents as well as representatives of the sweet potato industry.  Critical extension and research needs include delivery and evaluation of current horticultural and pest management technologies to stakeholders, on-farm demonstrations, variety evaluation, and trans-disciplinary collaborations to identify and solve yield-limiting sweet potato production problems.  The needs of these industries will be addressed through individual stakeholder communication, workshops, public presentations, and written communications.

The applicant will be required to document and publish information in several forms, including but not limited to extension publications, fact sheets, newsletters, refereed publications, and web-based articles.  The applicant will be expected to submit and participate in proposals for extramural support from state government, federal agencies, commodity organizations, and private industries.  The successful candidate will also participate in professional and technical meetings, field days and other outreach opportunities, as necessary to inform producers, industry personnel and enhance professional development.

The position is responsible for coordinating Extension program advisory committees to identify stakeholder needs, to develop programs addressing those needs, and to assess program impacts. The incumbent is expected to perform other tasks that may be assigned by supervisor(s) and work cooperatively with other Extension and research faculty at the parish, regional, and state levels. Continued professional development is expected.

Qualification Requirements: A PhD degree in an agricultural related discipline is required.  Prior experience working with sweet potato is highly desirable.  The applicant must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.  A good working knowledge of computer software programs and web pages is also desired, as is experience using various aspects of social media.  The ability to effectively communicate and work with and through others is essential as is the ability to function with minimal supervision. 

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Date Available: Upon completion of the interview process.

Application Deadline: July 24, 2026, or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:

Melissa Cater PhD

Northeast Region Director

212-B Macon Ridge Road

Winnsboro, LA 71295

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 318-435-2903

Website:  www.lsuagcenter.com

 The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

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Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

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The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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