Research Entomologist, Strawberry Center

Cal Poly Partners•Lexington, MA

3d•$105,333 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Strawberry Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is seeking a Strawberry Research Entomologist and Entomology Program Leader. This executive/management level position is crucial for the sustainability of California's $3.1 billion strawberry industry through applied research and education. The role involves developing a strong applied research program to address critical entomological problems for the California strawberry industry, including management challenges with Lygus bug, spider mites, and spotted wing drosophila, which cause significant annual losses. The successful candidate will conduct high-impact research focused on improving pest management strategies. The position also includes assisting the Director of the Strawberry Center with administrative oversight and integration within the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences and the Plant Sciences department. The Strawberry Center is located on California's Central Coast, with access to office, laboratory, and research field space, and encourages collaboration with local growers.

Requirements

Ph.D. in entomology or M.S. in entomology plus demonstrated proficiency in independent research, grant writing and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Experience in extending research results to industry members using a variety of print and electronic media.
Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people in the Strawberry Center, California Strawberry Commission, strawberry industry, allied industries, academia, and government.
Demonstrable skills in verbal and written communication.
Demonstrated ability to obtain extramural funding from commodity and government-based granting agencies.
Ability to initiate, build, and sustain effective communication and teamwork by fostering a positive, cooperative, and productive work environment.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with individuals from diverse populations and a wide range of cultural backgrounds, both within and outside the university.
Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to interpret, communicate, and apply policies and procedures.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
Excellent computer skills and proficiency with computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistics, on-line systems, Internet, and online calendaring and email.
Working knowledge of—or ability to quickly learn—university infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
Maintain regular and reliable working hours.
Possession of a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Ability to obtain a California Driver’s License within 3 months of hiring.
Able to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays and adjust working hours to meet special tasks and deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with established records of productive applied research programs and broad agricultural entomology and IPM experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Conduct applied research on entomological issues facing the California strawberry industry, with a focus on primary pests like Lygus bug, twospotted spider mites, and spotted wing drosophila.
Focus research on issues with potential for high impact to the strawberry industry in the near term.
Develop strong rapport and work effectively with growers, pest control advisors (PCAs), and other industry collaborators.
Obtain research grants to support research projects, Master’s and undergraduate students.
Report research results at industry, scientific, and other appropriate meetings.
Publish research results in journals and media appropriate to the work (e.g., research reports, conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journals, Center’s research blog).
Become a recognized authority in the area of strawberry arthropod management.
Develop a nationally recognized applied research program with targeted impact on local growers.
Advise undergraduate and graduate students on senior projects and Master’s theses.
Assist the Director in the administrative duties of the Strawberry Center, including safety, training, and personnel management.
Represent the Center at various university and industry committees and functions.
Manage budgets and ensure deadlines are met on all projects.
Participate as a member of the Strawberry Center Team.
Attend training and maintain skill currency as appropriate to safely and effectively complete assignments.
Obtain a California Pest Control Advisor’s license.
Perform other duties assigned.
Directly supervise employees including an entomology research associate, graduate and undergraduate students, and part-time intermittent employees.
Conduct performance evaluations with direct reports.
Conduct recruiting, interviewing, and recommend hiring, discipline, and termination.