The Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is seeking a highly motivated scientist specializing in the ecology and integrated pest management (IPM) of key arthropod pests of row crops (especially forage and corn crops), concentrating on those of concern in the humid continental/semi-arid High Plains of western and central Nebraska. This position is located in North Platte, Nebraska, at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center (REEC).
The successful candidate will be expected to develop an integrated research and Extension program that leads to:
- The development of complementary and integrated management tactics that mitigate new or persistent arthropod pests of major row crops in southwestern and central Nebraska.
- The application of current and emerging tools for monitoring and managing arthropod pests of key row crops.
- The development and utilization of methods to monitor and mitigate resistance to management tactics.
- The ability to deliver relevant information and practices to and support adoption by producers.
- The successful training of students and post-doctoral research associates.
Specific Responsibilities
Extension (60%):
The incumbent will have statewide responsibilities to develop proactive, innovative, and accessible educational programs of excellence in IPM of insect pests of high relevance to western and central Nebraska. The Extension program will include needs assessment, planning, marketing, teaching/delivery, and evaluation of these educational programs and materials, and providing professional development in subject matter for Extension educators. Critical needs will be identified and prioritized through discussions with stakeholders, program participants, cooperators, and Extension team members, and through program evaluation. Program emphasis will reflect the educational mission of Nebraska Extension.
Research (40%):
The incumbent will develop an active, successful research program that addresses IPM and agroecology of arthropod pests in key row crops of western and central Nebraska, and which supports their Extension programming. They will develop collaborative and interdisciplinary research programs with colleague scientists at the West Central REEC, Panhandle REEC, Eastern REEC, Entomology and other departments within UNL, and other universities and agencies in the region to address current and emerging research needs. The incumbent will be expected to obtain external grants to support the research program, to publish research results in appropriate professional journals and other scholarly outlets, to advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students, supervise research support staff, and to participate in regional and multidisciplinary projects, as appropriate.
Collaboration:
The incumbent will foster collaborations with department colleagues, other departments, institutions, and external stakeholders to advance research and Extension. They will seek opportunities to collaborate with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners to address real-world challenges related to insect management.
Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Entomology are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. At IANR, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in entomology or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
- Demonstrated ability to publish in appropriate peer‐reviewed journals.
- Training and experience in applied integrated pest management of arthropods, with preference for experience in managing arthropod pests in crops relevant to Nebraska.
- Experience or interest in working directly with farmers or Extension educators to develop, access, and implement pest management tactics.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to obtain competitive extramural funding.
- Successful mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.
- Demonstrate effective or innovative dissemination strategies to various clientele.
- Practical experience in implementing IPM strategies through field work, Extension activities, or consulting with farmers.
- Postdoctoral and extension experience.
- Participation in multi-disciplinary teams.
