The Division of Plant Science and Technology in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU) seeks an Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist in the area of field crop and forage entomology.  This is a 9-month, tenure-track faculty position, with an appointment of 60% extension and 40% research, and located on the MU campus in Columbia, MO.

Responsibilities:  The successful candidate will be the primary contact for extension education information, technology transfer and programming regarding field crop and forage pest problems in Missouri.  The faculty member will be expected to develop and collaborate on innovative and nationally recognized extension programs focused on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for corn, soybean, small grains and forages. Extension responsibilities will include statewide program leadership with the expectation of collaborative work with other state specialists, regional extension field specialists and producers.  Additionally, the faculty member will generate and disseminate field crop and forage IPM information at workshops and short courses, contribute educational material to industry publications, newsletters, websites, and other electronic communication outlets, as well as participate in the Pesticide Applicator Training program. The faculty member will develop an externally funded research program that generates new knowledge and sustainable approaches to manage insect pest issues that impact corn, soybean, small grain and/or forage crops. Consequently, there is an explicit expectation that the faculty member will demonstrate excellence in grantsmanship and timely communication of scholarship and research findings via peer-reviewed journal articles and professional meetings. The faculty member also will be expected to recruit and mentor graduate students. Service to the Division, College and University is also expected.

Minimum Qualifications:  PhD in entomology or a related field by the time of appointment. 

Candidates will be evaluated on:  Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, and the ability to publish in refereed scientific journals. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system and have interest and ability to work in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment. Previous experience working with stakeholders and disseminating information, experience with crop production and pest management, securing extramural funding, and experience conducting applied research. Familiarity with ecological pest management strategies.

Salary and Benefits:  Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. This position is eligible for University benefits.  The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

More Information about the Program, Campus, and Community:

The Division of Plant Science and Technology includes a diverse group of approximately 50 faculty, including a strong agriculture extension program that works with dozens of agronomic and horticulture extension specialists located across the state.  The University of Missouri campus is located in Columbia, MO, a vibrant and growing college town of over 120,000 with a high quality of life and relatively low cost of living.  Columbia is located in central Missouri, half-way between Kansas City and St. Louis, about 2 hours from each of those metropolitan areas.  Missouri is a state with both a strong agriculture base and abundant natural areas for recreation and enjoyment.  Learn more about Columbia and Missouri at https://www.visitcolumbiamo.com.

Application Deadline:  Candidate screening will begin January 15, 2023, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Procedure:

Please submit (1) your CV including publications and research funding, (2) a letter of application explaining your suitability for the advertised position, (3) a statement of current research accomplishments and future research goals (2 pages), (4) an extension philosophy (1 page), (5) a diversity statement including professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that enhance campus diversity and equity efforts and how that commitment would add value to the Division of Plant Science and Technology (1 page), and (6) contact information for at least 3 references.

Applications should be submitted at the following website: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings, Job ID 44753. 

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at (573) 882-7976 or muhrs@missouri.edu.  Questions regarding the position should be directed to Debbie Finke (Search Committee Chair; dfinke@missouri.edu). 

Diversity Commitment

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an equal access, equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that is fully committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information, call the Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Services/Affirmative Action officer at 573-882-4256. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager at 573-884-7278.