Assistant Professor, Extension Entomologist

Overview

The Department of Biology at Utah State University (USU) seeks applicants for two fiscal-year, .916 FTE tenure track faculty positions (Assistant Professor rank) in entomology. One position will focus on insect pests in horticultural crops of Utah (fruit, vegetables and nursery) and the other in agronomic crops (alfalfa, small grains, corn) and turf. The successful candidates will be expected to establish Extension (outreach and support to UT farmers and growers) and Research programs related to insect pests in horticultural and agronomic crop production systems in UT reflecting USU’s land grant mission. The candidates will also be expected to provide diagnostic support to the current Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab’s (UPPDL) insect diagnostician. The position will have a role assignment of 50% Extension, 45% Research, and 5% Service. There is no teaching expectation for these positions and they are not eligible for remote work.

 

The candidates will develop, implement, and provide leadership in Extension programming, outreach, and evaluation, and achieve scholarship (such as published papers, professional presentations, and grants, etc.) for promotion and tenure. At USU, there are many collaborative opportunities across disciplines within the Departments of Biology and Plant, Soils and Climate, Applied Economics and Environmental Engineering, as well as the statewide Cooperative Extension system to meet the needs of UT agriculture. Utah agriculture consists of many large wholesale farms and small commercial farms that sell directly to consumers with a wide range of commodities. The largest acreages are alfalfa, corn (sweet and field corn), tart cherries, peaches, and onions. Many growers are increasing their production of solanaceous crops and cucurbits. In addition to field production, production in greenhouses and high tunnels is expanding and providing new challenges to growers.

 

The successful candidates have the option to secure an additional one-month salary from external funding such as grant awards.

 

Review of applicants will begin October 1 2024 and will continue until the positions are filled, with a tentative start of August 1 2025.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Develop a nationally recognized Extension program that addresses the insect pest management needs of UT producers• Provide support in a timely manner to county faculty and insect diagnostician to meet the needs of residential/home insect pest questions• Develop an applied research program in the subject areas listed• Assist the insect diagnostician in the UPPDL with insect identification as needed• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students• Work collaboratively with the Extension Plant Health team in the Department of Biology, other scientists at USU and USU county Extension faculty • Obtain extramural funding• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journal• Publish Extension materials (fact sheets, newsletter articles and guides)• Organize workshops and give presentations at grower meetings, field days and other appropriate venues• Contribute to the department/college/university and profession through service

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned Ph.D. degree in entomology or closely related field by the time of hire • Subject area expertise in management of insect pests in one or more of the following: agronomic crops, tree fruit, small fruit, vegetables, turf and nursery crops• Skills in insect taxonomy and insect identification• Experience with applied research• Demonstrated ability to publish in academic journals• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse Extension audiences• Strong desire to be a part of USU Extension

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to obtain external funding• Experience with publishing Extension materials (fact sheets, newsletter articles) and presenting to an Extension audience

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please include the following:

Curriculum vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

Contact information for three professional references (email and phone number) to be entered into Candidate Profile

A cover letter that addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications and subject area expertise the candidate is applying for, to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Research statement to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Statement of Extension philosophy to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Transcripts to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the C