Assistant Professor - Grain, Forage, and Commercial Turf/Ornamental Entomology

Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist- Grain, Forage, and Commercial Turf/Ornamental Entomology

Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology

The College of Agriculture’s Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in the area of Grain, Forage, and Commercial Turf/Ornamental Entomology. This position supports the key mission of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology to keep the world’s people and food supply safe from pests and disease and to deliver unbiased, research-based information to Extension agents and producers on pest management through the development of nationally recognized research and Extension programs.  The expected start date is August 15, 2018.

Responsibilities: This is a 12-month tenure-track position with 75% extension and 25% research responsibilities. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and lead a nationally recognized extension program and research program in the area of insect pest management of economically important pests of forages, grain crops, stored grain, and commercial turf. The successful candidate will be expected to secure extramural funding to support programs, publish technical and refereed articles, and collaborate effectively with departmental faculty and colleagues in other disciplines. The candidate will continue the existing stored grain pest management program. The successful candidate will provide support for Extension agents, farmers, turfgrass managers, agribusiness personnel, and other stakeholders by providing short and long term solutions to insect pest problems. The candidate will be expected to be a proactive member of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Agronomic Crops, Animal Sciences and Forages, and Commercial Horticulture Program Priority Teams.

Qualifications: An earned doctoral degree in Entomology or a related scientific discipline and strong knowledge and background in applied entomology by the position start date. Documented experience and/or demonstrated ability in developing an individual and collaborative research program resulting in peer-reviewed publications. Possess proficiency in using social media tools. In addition, the candidate must possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and demonstrate subject matter knowledge and the ability to communicate effectively in English. Applicants must also demonstrate their potential to work cooperatively with faculty, students and industry to develop collaborative research and teaching programs.

Desired qualifications: Qualified applicants will ideally possess extensive practical knowledge of and experience in conducting applied field research and in implementing pest management programs in grain crops, forage crops, stored grains, or commercial turf. Postdoctoral experience, experience or training in plant pathology and/or agronomy, Extension or outreach experience, expertise in statistics and experimental design, expertise in evaluation of outreach or Extension programs, grantsmanship experience and familiarity with molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and genomic approaches.

Application: Applicants must apply for the position electronically through: http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/2675 and submit the following: 1) cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, 2) current curriculum vita, 3) Statement of Philosophy of Extension and Research, and 5) copies of all transcripts, MS and PhD. When prompted during the on-line application process, please provide names, phone numbers and email addresses of three professional references. Only complete application materials will be considered. Active review of applications will begin March 15, 2018, but the search will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to:      

Dr. Ed Sikora

Search Committee Chair

Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology

Auburn University

Email: sikorej@auburn.edu

The University: Auburn University is a land-grant institution with a student enrollment of more than 25,000. The University provides instruction in approximately 70 academic departments and maintains graduate research and public service programs of a broad scope. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama near the metropolitan areas of Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, and Columbus and Atlanta, Georgia.

Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer