Assistant Professor - Fruit Crop Entomology

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

3d

About The Position

The Department of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison is seeking to fill a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Extension Fruit Crop Entomology to provide leadership in developing outreach and research to address the needs of stakeholders and improve management of Wisconsin's fruit crops (i.e., apple, cranberry, grape, small fruits/berries). Wisconsin's fruit crops contribute significantly to the state's economy. Cranberry is the largest of the fruit-crop industries, with nearly $1 billion in annual economic activity and over 4K jobs statewide. Given that Wisconsin is an agriculturally and ecologically diverse state, an integrative approach to Extension and applied research is needed in this position, including the integrated pest management of fruit crop entomological pests as well as the development of novel and innovative approaches in pest suppression. A successful candidate will be expected to develop and lead a regionally and nationally recognized Extension program supported by a strong applied-research program in the area of sustainable, fruit crop management emphasizing integrated pest management of pest species. The candidate will conduct applied and basic research that will inform crop and pest management recommendations and support fruit Extension and educational needs throughout the state. Outcomes of these efforts are intended to build resiliency and overall sustainability of fruit crop production and surrounding agroecosystems. Recommendations will be conveyed through extension and outreach avenues such as websites, social media, field days, grower meetings, and the Wisconsin Fruit newsletter. This person will be part of the existing University of Wisconsin commercial fruit Extension team, which includes a horticulturist, plant pathologist, and weed scientist. This specialization will also lend support to Extension colleagues assigned to other commodities. We are especially interested in candidates whose applied research interests can provide a scientific understanding of the main entomological factors influencing fruit crop production and pest management in Wisconsin. We encourage applicants with backgrounds working on the fundamental biology of arthropod pests in related fruit crop systems. This faculty position carries a commitment to research, extension education and outreach, as well as professional and university service as appropriate to faculty rank. This position is part of UW-Madison's Excellence in Mentoring Initiative. The Excellence in Mentoring Initiative aims to recruit outstanding faculty who, in addition to their demonstrated excellence or strong potential in research and teaching, have demonstrated the ability and commitment to mentor at-risk, first-generation, or under-represented undergraduate or graduate students to achieve academic success. Candidates who may not qualify for the EIM should still apply and will be given full consideration. https://facstaff.provost.wisc.edu/faculty-hiring-and-retention-resources/#excellence-in-mentoring-initiative

Requirements

• Successful candidates will have a record of or demonstrate potential for: Developing and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships through Extension and outreach programming
• Devising integrated pest management solutions for key pests
• Producing publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Graduate student training and mentoring
• Writing extramural grants
• Contributing to the community and service functions of the department, the Division of Extension and CALS
• Promoting an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities
• Required - PhD in Entomology or a related field

Responsibilities

• Develop an ongoing, independent, regionally and nationally recognized Extension program supported by a strong research program in the area of sustainable fruit crop management.
• The successful candidate will be expected to secure extramural funding.
• CALS Extension-funded faculty are expected to generate, translate, and apply research-based knowledge and methods to issues and problems by integrating research and educational activities into a coherent body of work.
• CALS Extension-funded faculty are expected to provide leadership in the design, development, and implementation of educational programs and to document the impact of these efforts.
• Provide mentorship and instruction
• Contribute to service functions of the department, college, and campus communities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree