Position Summary
The Department of Entomology at Michigan State University is accepting applications for a full-time, 12-month tenure-system Assistant Professor position in Aginformatics Entomology, with a 60% Research/40% Extension appointment. The successful applicant will develop and deliver data-driven integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for crop systems. Plant agriculture stakeholders urgently need arthropod management strategies that address resilience in the face of climate change, invasive species and other disrupting forces and we envision this position leveraging large datasets and experimental approaches to enhance productivity, biodiversity, and ecological functions of crop production systems across the Great Lakes region. This position is part of the new Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, a partnership among MSU, the Plant Coalition, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development aimed at developing solutions to long-term climate- and water-related problems. As part of this program, MSU has launched an extensive cluster hire process to attract expertise in critical areas of research and outreach necessary to address such grand challenges.
Michigan agriculture is diverse, encompassing conventional to organic production systems which yield high-value horticultural as well as commodity crops. Given its abundant freshwater resources, moderate climate, and diverse cropping systems, Michigan agriculture is well-positioned to increase in national importance. At the same time, producers are challenged by negative effects of climate change, long-established key pests along with new invasive species, and pollinator and natural enemy declines. Understanding the role of arthropods in soil health and soil carbon sequestration will also be of increasing importance.
The successful candidate will develop a research program that integrates investigation of arthropod biology and ecology with new and emerging technologies to model insect population dynamics, pest risk, and to develop novel management strategies. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in big data, machine learning, real-time remote sensing, robotic or UAV technologies, artificial intelligence, or other innovative analytical/technological tools to advance pest management systems. Training and mentoring of students at the interface between data science and pest management is expected.
Extension responsibilities will include engagement with crop producers and allied industries through MSU Extension to assess their needs, communicate research results, and guide application and implementation of new technologies. The selected candidate will be expected to work closely with campus-based extension specialists and extension educators during project development, conduct, and delivery.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Entomology, Ecology, Crop Science
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Entomology, Ecology, Crop Science, Data Science, Statistics or a related discipline with data-intensive research; demonstrated training and expertise in data science; experience working with big data, ecological modeling, and/or quantitative approaches; a record of scholarly activities demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications; excellent communication skills; and a commitment to training a diverse range of scholars.
Desired Qualifications
Postdoctoral training, with experience integrating multidisciplinary areas of agricultural entomology; potential to successfully fund a research and extension program; experience mentoring students; and experience communicating to non-academic audiences.
Required Application Materials
a) cover letter stating your interest in the position;
b) current curriculum vitae with contact information for three references;
c) a statement that explains how your experience and career plans align with this position (2-pages maximum); and
d) a statement describing how your program will align with MSU’s Strategic Goals in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Special Instructions
Questions regarding the position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Rufus Isaacs (isaacsr@msu.edu), Department of Entomology, Michigan State University.
Review of Applications Begins On
07/01/2024
Website
www.canr.msu.edu/ent/
Department Statement
The Department of Entomology is internationally recognized for our commitment to interdisciplinary research, teaching and extension at local, regional, national, and international levels. Our programs encompass basic and applied research on arthropods in diverse systems including agriculture, forestry, medical/veterinary, and aquatic ecosystems. This position offers opportunities to collaborate with campus-based department members with active field research programs in multiple crop systems. There is potential connection to the Long Term Agricultural Research program (canr.msu.edu/ltar/) at the Kellogg Biological Station, and the cross-disciplinary Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior program (eeb.msu.edu) which facilitates collaborative research and graduate student training. MSU has extensive computing capacity through the Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research (icer.msu.edu) which supports training and maintains the High Performance Computing Center.
Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support and other types of support for balancing work and personal lives at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion. Candidates are invited to view Entomology norms at https://www.canr.msu.edu/ent/commitment-to-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/entomology-community-norms.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
