Associate Professor in CFAST

Institute: Centre for Applied Science and Technology

Location: Mehsana, Gujarat, India

Employment Type: Full-Time

Designation: Associate Professor

Specialization:

1. Agronomy
2. Agricultural Economics
3. Entomology
4. Genetics and Plant Breeding
5. Horticulture
6. Soil Science
7. Plant Pathology
8. Extension Education

Position Overview

The Associate Professor position at Ganpat University's Centre for Applied Sciences and Technology (CFAST) is a mid-level academic role that focuses on advancing teaching, research, and innovation in the applied sciences and technology disciplines. This role contributes to the university's mission of fostering interdisciplinary learning, industry collaboration, and social upliftment through education. The position involves a balance of instructional duties, scholarly research, student mentorship, and administrative contributions within CFAST's programs in areas such as sciences, technology applications, and emerging fields.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Curriculum Development:

• Deliver high-quality lectures, seminars, and practical sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate and Ph.D. programs in relevant disciplines.
• Design, update, and implement course syllabi in line with UGC/ICAR standards, incorporating emerging technologies.
• Evaluate student performance through assignments, exams, and projects, providing constructive feedback to foster critical thinking.

Research and Innovation:

• Lead independent and collaborative research projects funded by ICAR, UGC, or state agencies, focusing on challenges like crop productivity, livestock health, or sustainable resource management.
• Publish high-impact papers/books annually in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to policy papers for agricultural extension.
• Secure grants and collaborate with industry partners for technology transfer, such as developing new seed varieties or pest management strategies.

Student Supervision and Mentorship:

• Guide M.Sc. and Ph.D. theses, supervising students on research topics aligned with agricultural needs.
• Advise student clubs, field trips, and internships to build practical skills in agricultural practices.

Extension and Outreach:

• Organize farmer training programs, workshops, and demonstrations to disseminate research findings through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).
• Engage in community outreach for technology adoption, such as soil health camps or veterinary services.

Administrative and Institutional Duties:

• Serve on university committees for academic planning, accreditation, and quality assurance.
• Mentor junior faculty and contribute to departmental goals, including API (Academic Performance Indicator) compliance for promotions.
• Participate in national/international conferences to represent the University and foster collaborations.

The role requires a commitment to ethical research, inclusivity, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals.

Eligibility Criteria

Based on the prescribed qualifications under ICAR/UGC regulations for direct recruitment at Gujarat Agricultural Universities:

Essential Qualifications:

(i) Good academic record with a Ph.D. degree in the concerned/relevant discipline.

(ii) A Master's degree with at least 60% marks (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed).

(iii) A minimum of eight years of experience of teaching and/or research in an academic/research position equivalent to that of Assistant Professor in a University, College, or Accredited Research Institution/industry excluding the period of Ph.D. research, with evidence of published work and a minimum of 5 publications as books and/or research/policy papers.

(iv) A minimum of five years as faculty member in an academic/research/extension position equivalent to that of Assistant Professor in a University, College, or Accredited Research Institution excluding the period of Ph.D. research, with evidence of published work and a minimum of 5 publications as books and/or research/policy papers.

(v) For consideration of experience of Assistant Professor and its equivalent, the experience of Agriculture Officer/Veterinary Officer/Senior Research Assistant and its equivalent shall be considered for a maximum of three years in the following manner: a. Experience after Master's degree as Agriculture Officer/Veterinary Officer/Senior Research Assistant shall be multiplied with a factor of 0.6. b. Experience as Agriculture Officer/Veterinary Officer/Senior Research Assistant after Ph.D. degree shall be multiplied with a factor of 0.8. (vi) A minimum score as stipulated in the Academic Performance Indicator (API) based on ICAR/UGC Regulations.

Qualities GUNI seeks:

• A stable employment history with demonstrated long-term contribution in previous roles.
• Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, discipline, and ethical work practices.
• Ensure confidentiality, reliability, and accountability in all technical operations.
• Maintain stability and consistency in job performance and deliverables.