Horticultural Crops Entomologist

The Department of Entomology (ENT) within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences (CAHNRS) at Washington State University (WSU) is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and problem-solving teacher and leader to join an extraordinary team of scientists and extension experts in multiple disciplines, including plant pathology, horticulture, soil science, plant breeding, and weed science. As an integral part of this team, we are looking to fill a 12-month, tenure-track (assistant professor rank) teaching and integrated research/extension position to begin August 1, 2022, or as negotiated, at the WSU Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center (NWREC) and at the nearby WSU-Everett campus (37 miles south of NWREC). The successful applicant will develop a nationally recognized and regionally relevant program focused on entomology of horticultural crops to enhance crop productivity while increasing profits and improving environmental quality.  

The Assistant Professor of Entomology of Horticultural Crops should emphasize the development of ecologically and quantitatively based integrated pest management (IPM) through applied research and education for regional crops of significance in Northwestern Washington. The incumbent will develop and teach courses in ecological IPM as part of the organic and sustainable agriculture major at WSU-Everett, contribute to broader development of the major at WSU Everett, foster connections between WSU Everett students and the NWREC, and will be directly responsible to the NWREC Director and Chair of the Department of Entomology. In addition to pursuing an outstanding research and extension program, the successful candidate will be expected to provide effective instruction and advising to a diverse population of graduate and undergraduate students. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

This position is primarily teaching and includes research and extension duties. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized, integrated teaching, research, and extension program in insect pest management focused on agricultural systems in Northwestern Washington. The incumbent will teach lower-division courses in Agricultural and Food Systems (AFS) each year and an entomology course as needed by ENT every other year. The research and extension program will emphasize ecologically and quantitatively based IPM of insects and mites attacking horticultural crops including but not limited to blueberry, raspberry, potato, vegetable seed, flower bulbs, tree fruit, and greenhouse production. Programs must be based on stakeholder needs and effectively integrate research and extension and be consistent with the mission of the WSU NWREC and CAHNRS Office of Research.  

The successful candidate must acquire competitive extramural funding from state, regional, and national agencies, and the agricultural industry to support a comprehensive research and extension program. The incumbent will disseminate information by publishing in appropriate peer-reviewed journals and extension media, delivering presentations at scientific conferences and grower meetings, and using technology and other modern communication platforms. This person is expected to work collaboratively with other researchers, extension professionals, private crop consultants, the grower community, and stakeholders. Teaching responsibilities will include teaching credit courses on topics described above, contributing to recruitment efforts at WSU Everett, helping guide development of the WSU Everett AFS program, and the mentoring and supervision of graduate students. Other duties include serving on ENT, NWREC, CAHNRS and WSU committees. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required: 

By the date of hire, earned Ph.D. in entomology or closely related field, with depth in a discipline and the ability to address the breadth of insect pest ecology and management and sustainable farming systems;  

Demonstrated record of scholarly accomplishments in research, extension, and/or teaching commensurate with career level; and 

Demonstrated teaching experience and commitment to graduate and undergraduate teaching, advising, and mentoring that support social justice, diversity and inclusion. 

Preferred: 

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical audiences in oral and written forms; 

Record of competitive grant success commensurate with career level; 

Demonstrated knowledge of insect pest applied research, integrated pest management (IPM), and sustainable agricultural systems;  

Demonstrated knowledge of state-of-the-art techniques applicable to IPM and insect pest management research;  

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals and groups of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies;  

Demonstrated ability to disseminate web-based information; and 

Demonstrated evidence of excellence in undergraduate teaching and student mentoring.