Assistant Professor & Extension Entomologist Corn Entomology

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota seeks to fill a tenure-track position in Corn Entomology. This will be a nine-month appointment at the level of assistant professor with primary research (40%) and extension (60%) responsibilities.

Corn is the most widely planted crop in Minnesota with >8 million acres of field corn (#4 in the US), and ~125,000 acres of sweet corn (#3 in the US).  Both field corn and sweet corn are challenged by above-ground pests (e.g., corn earworm) and below-ground pests (e.g., corn rootworm complex). Sustainable management of these arthropod pests in corn is critical for the economic viability and environmental quality of the state and region. Agricultural stakeholders need research-based guidance to overcome arthropod-related challenges in corn production (e.g., pest resistance to management tactics, invasive species, increased regulation of pesticides, and changing production practices), and to effectively evaluate and implement new pest management technologies.

Research (40%): The successful candidate will establish an externally funded, innovative, and relevant research program (including both applied and basic research) related to integrated pest management (IPM) for arthropod pests in corn production systems. The Department of Entomology seeks individuals with research interests that will complement and expand its existing strengths (https://www.entomology.umn.edu/faculty-staff/faculty). The candidate will have expertise in agroecology and IPM theory and practice, which may include areas such as resistance management, applied toxicology, transgenic and molecular approaches, population genetics, landscape ecology, or precision agriculture (including remote sensing). The candidate will be encouraged to collaborate with faculty in the Department of Entomology and other departments. Multistate and international collaborations are also encouraged. The successful candidate will have access to core research facilities at the University of Minnesota, such as a statewide network of Research and Outreach Centers, the Plant Growth Facilities containing greenhouses and growth chambers, a Biosafety Level 2 Insect Containment Facility, the Genomics Center, and the Supercomputing Institute.

Extension (60%): The successful candidate will establish an effective research-based Extension program focused on ongoing corn producer needs, industry-wide input, and feedback from colleagues including campus and field-based extension specialists and educators. The Extension program will develop and provide short- and long-term IPM solutions for arthropod pests of corn. Extension methods will include assessing stakeholder needs and curricular planning for positive behavior change via a mix of traditional presentations and publications, as well as innovative social media and novel technologies to reach target audiences. The successful candidate will be an active member of the interdisciplinary University of Minnesota Extension Crops Team and the Institute for Agricultural Professionals. Collaborative extension projects are encouraged with Department faculty and colleagues throughout University of Minnesota Extension, including campus-based Extension specialists, field-based Extension Educators, and Extension/Research colleagues at Research and Outreach Centers in the state.

Responsibilities

●   Develop a nationally and internationally recognized, externally funded research program focused on the biology, ecology and management of corn pests

●       Develop, contribute to and deliver effective extension programming to key agricultural stakeholders, such a farmers, consultants, agronomists, and agency staff, and the public

●   Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

●   Provide service to the Department, College, University and professional societies

●   Contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching through limited guest lectures on topics related to areas of expertise

Required Qualifications

●   Ph.D. or internationally equivalent degree in entomology; or related fields of biological or agricultural sciences with expertise in entomology

●   Relevant extension / research training and experience in biology and ecology of arthropod pests, and integrated pest management

●   Record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications

●   Record of extension or outreach education, including development and implementation of extension programming

●   Excellent written and verbal communication skills

●   Demonstrated record in obtaining extramural funding

●   Commitment to advancing and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion including the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals with diverse identities and underrepresented groups

●   Demonstrated record of working in a collaborative capacity

Preferred Qualifications

●   Demonstrated record of developing, evaluating and improving integrated pest management programs for agricultural pests

●   Record of advising or mentoring undergraduate or graduate students

●   Demonstrated record of working with interdisciplinary teams, industry and other stakeholders to identify research needs and knowledge gaps

SALARY/BENEFITS

Salary is competitive and commensurate with professional experience and qualifications. Salary will be supplemented with 9 weeks of summer salary for the first three (3) years of the appointment to help establish a research and Extension program. Thereafter, a 9-month salary can be supplemented through research and/or educational grants.

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

Competitive wages, paid holidays
Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
Excellent retirement plans with generous employer contribution and immediate vesting
Employer paid disability and life insurance
Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75% of eligible tuition
Opportunities for Sabbaticals and other professional leaves
Opportunities for growth and promotion
Employee Assistance Program
For more information regarding benefits, see Summary of Benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted online http://employment.umn.edu/ (search for Job Opening ID: 347378. Candidates should include all of the required application materials combined into one single PDF document. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required application materials:

A cover letter clearly indicating how the applicant addresses the required and preferred qualifications
Curriculum Vitae
1- to 2-page Research Statement
1- to 2-page Extension Statement
[both Research and Extension Statements should highlight accomplishments, experience, interests, and goals]
Names, addresses and email contact information for three (3) professional references that will be contacted if you are deemed a final candidate
Diversity Statement* (please see instructions below)

For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Robert Koch, Chair of the Search Committee at koch0125@umn.edu.

Initial screening of applicant files will begin on May 20, 2022. For best consideration, application materials must be received by this date.

*Instructions for Diversity Statement (include with application materials)

Applicants are required to submit a diversity statement for this position. CFANS values and is actively invested in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all of our academic programs. Please review the CFANS definition of diversity and the DEI strategic plan for the college.

Please provide a diversity statement that details your professional experiences in DEI. Experiences may include, but not limited to:

Working with diverse communities or local organizations
Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into the curriculum
Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your research
Your own educational experiences, such as courses or workshops you have participated in and how you anticipate incorporating what you have learned in your future work