Assistant Professor, Field Ecology and Pest Management Entomology

Job Title

Assistant Professor, Field Ecology and Pest Management Entomology

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Weslaco

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Weslaco, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center, Weslaco (https://weslaco.tamu.edu/) is seeking a motivated and visionary Entomologist to work in Field Ecology and Pest Management at the Assistant Professor level. Appointment is 75% effort with AgriLife Research and 25% with AgriLife Extension and is a 12-month, base-funded, non-tenure position. The successful candidate will establish and lead a national and international Research and Extension program focusing on integrated pest management (IPM) of arthropods in various cropping systems (including field crops, vegetables, and specialty crops) in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) region of Texas. The candidate will address knowledge gaps and needs of the agricultural industry to provide economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable production solutions. The incumbent will be expected to attract extramural funding, establish a strong research publication record, mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

The goal of this position is to provide significant contributions in both Research and Extension that will enhance the economic sustainability of healthy food production while minimizing detrimental environmental impact through the development of safe and effective arthropod pest management practices. Effective delivery of programmatic results to clientele is essential and must be research driven.

Participation in professional development efforts at an appropriate level of service to the center, agency, institution, and/or professional societies is expected. This position will also provide Research and Extension leadership in cropping system pest management and assist in training Regional County Extension Agents and in county educational programming.

This position complements the Centers’ strengths in fastidious plant pathogens and diseases, and interfaces with the existing pest management, genomic, plant breeding, plant physiology and cropping systems programs within Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Departments of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Horticultural Sciences, and Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University (College Station), Texas A&M Kingsville-Citrus Center (Weslaco), and local USDA Centers focusing on invasive and exotic pests. The candidate will be encouraged to collaborate with other AgriLife Research Scientists and Extension Specialists at other Centers around the State and to interact with academic departments on the various Texas A&M University System campuses.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct basic and applied research to better understand arthropod pest dynamics in various cropping systems of the RGV.
• Develop sustainable and innovative IPM strategies to address arthropod pest management issues relevant to cropping systems of the RGV.
• Provide leadership and team building with multi-disciplinary Research Scientists, Extension Specialists, and IPM Agents to address key agricultural issues affecting crop production in the RGV.
• Develop and/or lead research teams to respond to internal and external research grant opportunities with the involvement of research faculty from AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension, as well as other research institutions.
• Develop IPM tactics and education to the public, enabling safe, sustainable, affordable, nutritious, and high-quality crops for the citizens of Texas.
• Cooperate/complement programs that involve Center faculty and other District based County Extension Agents, Regional Program Leaders, and other Specialists, to develop and deliver regionally and nationally recognized programs for Research and Extension faculty for the vegetable and field crops industry.
• Provide effective and diverse research-driven outreach. Provide leadership and team building focused on IPM for the RGV in cooperation with District 12 Extension agents.
• Secure funding to support research efforts and publish results in peer-ref