Assistant Professor, Extension Entomologist - Utah State University

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:

1. Curriculum vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Contact information for three professional references (email and phone number) to be entered into Candidate Profile
3. 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”
4. Research statement to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
5. Statement of Extension philosophy to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
6. Transcripts to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Please include information for how your role(s) at the University in research, Extension/outreach and service would support the University’s mission of excellence, access, and inclusion. This information should be integrated into the statement of Extension philosophy, research statement and into the cover letter as appropriate.

 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary:Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefitsADA:

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

University Highlights:

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

 

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

 

*updated 04/2024

Notice of Non-discrimination:

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

 

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023