Associate In – Potato Entomology

Washington State University • Union Gap, WA

6d • $58,000 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Washington State University and the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) and the Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Program Unit seeks an Associate In to join efforts to manage aphid-vectored virus in potatoes. This appointment is a 1-year full-time renewable position at non-promotion faculty rank. Renewal is subject to satisfactory performance, mutual consent and available funding. Office location in Central Washington at the USDA-ARS Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato. THE OPPORTUNITY Washington ranks second nationwide in the production of potatoes, contributing nearly $1 billion in sales annually to the state’s economy and nearly a quarter of the $4.6 billion in sales produced nationally. Washington State University researchers are collaborating with institutions across the country to develop and test alternative non-neonicotinoid management options for pests of this important crop. The project is supported by the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative and takes a multidisciplinary approach, developing and testing new management strategies while addressing social and economic impacts to assist the adoption of new approaches. SUMMARY OF DUTIES This position is 100% Extension and will play a role in a collaborative effort to develop alternative non-neonicotinoid management options for pests in potato production. Specifically, this position will research treatment options for management of aphid-vectored viruses in potato production. There are no alternative management options to neonicotinoids currently identified for prevention of aphid-vectored potato leafroll virus infection. This position will take on the execution and analysis of behavioral and transmission assays designed to identify potentially effective treatment options for stakeholders. The position will also draft manuscripts disseminating results both to peer-reviewed journals and stakeholder-oriented publications. A key expectation is that this position will need to conduct and analyze electropenetrograph (EPG) assays, as well as record and analyze video footage of aphids in experimental arenas using EthoVision software. These assays will be done in collaboration with the Potato Insect Research lab at the USDA-ARS Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato.

Requirements

• A PhD degree from an accredited institution in entomology, or a field of study related to entomology, earned by date of hire.
• Demonstrated abilities in both written and verbal communication, including prior first-authored publication(s).
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with colleagues and within a shared laboratory environment.
• If not already familiar with, must have a willingness to learn how to use EPG to conduct feeding/probing behavior assays and EthoVision software to analyze recorded insect footage.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Ability to work independently to plan and accomplish goals.
• Ability to lift and carry greenhouse supplies, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• As position duties will primarily be conducted at a USDA-ARS facility, a qualified.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with aphids or other hemipterans and/or insect vectored plant pathogens.
• Experience with EPG for feeding/probing behavior data collection and analysis, and/or EthoVision software for analysis of recorded insect footage.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse people, researchers, Extension colleagues, staff, and students.
• Initiative-taking with demonstrated ability to work independently in the field, laboratory, or an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
• Experience and proven ability to work productively with a team while serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Ability to obtain a WA state pesticide applicators license.

Responsibilities

• Research treatment options for management of aphid-vectored viruses in potato production.
• Execution and analysis of behavioral and transmission assays designed to identify potentially effective treatment options for stakeholders.
• Draft manuscripts disseminating results both to peer-reviewed journals and stakeholder-oriented publications.
• Conduct and analyze electropenetrograph (EPG) assays.
• Record and analyze video footage of aphids in experimental arenas using EthoVision software.

Benefits

• WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees