Agricultural Entomologist

Position: Tenure-track Assistant Professor of Agricultural Entomology, 9-month academic appointment, 75% research, 25% teaching in the School of Biology and Ecology (SBE) at the University of Maine, Orono.

Purpose: The School of Biology and Ecology seeks an agricultural entomologist for an academic year, full-time, tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level. The successful applicant will address key pest management and pollination concerns of the wild blueberry industry in Maine and will develop strong research and teaching programs that complement existing expertise of faculty in our entomology cluster.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: The successful candidate will have a faculty appointment through the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station, and will provide applied research expertise in agricultural entomology and pest management for wild blueberry growers, as well as develop a nationally competitive externally funded research program in insect pest management.  An interest in pollination biology and/or insect ecology also is preferred. This position would have the potential to collaborate with a number of current research programs in entomology, plant pathology, crop physiology, weed science, ecology and climate change.  Collaborations with UMaine Cooperative Extension Crop Specialists may develop such that the successful candidate could serve as the go-to person for blueberry industry concerns with pests and pollination.

Teaching responsibilities will include a mid-level undergraduate course in applied entomology and a graduate course in insect ecology that is a necessary component of the graduate training curricula for the MSc in Entomology and also serves graduate students in other majors, taught in alternate years.  Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in insect ecology and pest management research during thesis and capstone projects, respectively is expected.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications: A PhD in a relevant discipline is required by the date of hire. Postdoctoral experience in agricultural entomology is highly desired. The successful candidate will have a track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals. Other measures of potential for academic success include prior experience in teaching and obtaining research funding.

About Us: Located on the northern border of beautiful Downeast Maine, the University of Maine, Orono, is the flagship campus of the University of Maine System, and a Land and Sea grant institution with an enrollment of 12,000 students. Research facilities include Blueberry Research Farm, greenhouses, research forests, the Fay Hyland Botanic Garden, and University Herbarium. Research insect collection is maintained at the Maine State Museum in Augusta and is freely accessible to the University researchers. Further information about the School of Biology and Ecology and our activities can be found at www.sbe.umaine.edu.

Close proximity to numerous natural and cultural amenities, excellent public schools in walkable neighborhoods, little traffic, and an affordable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live and work. The University of Maine is located just 60 miles from the beautiful Bar Harbor area and Acadia National Park and two hours from Portland, offering access to a wealth of outdoor activities and a thriving restaurant scene. UMaine is an NSF ADVANCE institution, committed to diversity in our workforce, work-life balance, and a high quality of life that Maine offers.

Application: Applicants should submit through the Hiretouch website: a cover letter, CV, a statement describing their current and future plans for research (2-pages max), a statement of teaching philosophy and experience (2 pages max), and a 1-page statement on the applicant’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion in Academia, as well as three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin on Feb. 22, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position should be addressed to Dr. Seanna Annis, chair of the search committee (sannis@maine.edu).

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.