Assistant Professor - Field Crops Entomologist

Department of Entomology, Cornell University

Tenure-track

Location: Ithaca, NY, USA. The academic home for this position is the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Ithaca campus of Cornell University. 

The Department of Entomology at Cornell University is seeking applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position in the area of Field Crops Entomology. The successful candidate will develop an internationally recognized research and extension program focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of grain and forage crops, including corn (>1 million acres in New York State), alfalfa hay (500,000 acres), soybeans (350,000 acres), wheat (150,000 acres), and other small grains. We seek a highly collaborative scientist who will build trust and communicate effectively with field crop farmers and other stakeholders, and will interact extensively with colleagues at Cornell to achieve its Land Grant mission. In this position, research and extension will focus on novel practices that use biological, chemical, physical, and/or cultural control methods to manage pressing insect pest issues currently affecting field crop growers. Research should combine insights from field trials with other approaches, potentially ranging from lab-based analyses to modeling to landscape-scale observational studies, to devise pest management strategies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.

Outstanding research scholarship is expected, as is excellence in and commitment to extension, translation of knowledge, and advising and inclusive mentoring of students. We seek colleagues with a record demonstrating success and promise across these areas, and who will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell University. As such, candidates are expected to engage in service and leadership activities within the department, the college, and the university, as well as relevant professional societies. We welcome candidates who understand the barriers facing women and other marginalized identities who are underrepresented in the classroom and in higher education careers (as evidenced by life experiences and educational background), and who have experience in equity and inclusion with respect to research, extension, teaching, mentoring, life experiences, and/or service towards building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.

Responsibilities:

This position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% extension.

Research (60%) – Outstanding research scholarship is expected, as the successful candidate will lead an internationally recognized research program that develops and tests IPM approaches rigorously and systematically at the field scale in grain and forage crops. The successful candidate is expected to maintain an externally funded research program. Excellence in and commitment to the development of research and training programs is essential. Candidates are expected to advise students and provide service within the department, college and university, and relevant professional societies.

Extension (40%) – A key component of this position is building trust and communicating effectively with field crops farmers and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will interact with stakeholders and translate research results using traditional and novel communication methods, including digital media. The successful candidate will also interact extensively with colleagues in the NYSIPM program, AgriTech campus, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and faculty across CALS, such as the Animal Science and SIPS programs, and will contribute to the annually updated Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management.

Department Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in the Department of Entomology in Ithaca.

Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Entomology, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field, with an understanding of field crops systems and experience working with diverse stakeholders is required. Demonstrated capability in developing research and extension programs is preferred.

Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is July 1, 2025 or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position, 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 4) an extension statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 5) a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, mentoring, extension, teaching, service, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study”, 6) copies of three relevant publications, and 7) names and contact information for three references. Materials should be submitted online to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28819. Applications received by January 2, 2025 will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Professor Scott McArt, Search Chair

Department of Entomology

email: shm33@cornell.edu    

CALS hiring range for position:

Assistant Professor: $90,000 - $130,000

Cornell University offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Support for start-up costs will be available. Salary is commensurate with experience.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.