Assistant Research Professor, Crop Protection

Assistant Research Professor, Crop Protection

Crop Protection Specialist of Insects and Diseases Affecting Field Crops

Assistant Research Professor and State Extension Specialist for Crop Protection

Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will primarily focus on the pest management of insects and diseases affecting field crops important to the state and region. The program of the successful candidate will be expected to include modern approaches to the management of insect pest and disease populations such as studies of interactions between various crop plants and natural enemies; behavior of insects and diseases; development of models to study the dynamics of insect and disease populations; utilization of natural enemies; other biorational methods and agronomic practices to improve the management of insect and disease populations; development of innovative sampling techniques to detect and monitor insects and diseases; elucidation of economic thresholds; and the development and evaluation of transgenic plants and resistance management plans for transgenic plants under Missouri conditions.

Insect and disease depredation are major factors limiting production of field crops in Missouri. Soybeans, corn, sorghum, rice, wheat and other crops are affected by a complex of below and aboveground insects and disease species. The growing public apprehension about insecticide, fungicide and nematicide use have prompted entomologists and plant pathologists to explore broad, biorational approaches to deal with insect and disease pests. The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture, has resulted in the development of pest resistance to insecticides and fungicides; undesirable toxicity to nontarget organisms; and possible environmental contamination. This has stimulated research on alternative methodologies, with integrated pest management (IPM) as the premier model. The strength of the IPM approach is its reliance on a multifaceted integration of biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical approaches to contain pest populations while maintaining the productivity of agroecosystems in a cost-effective and environmentally safe manner. The successful candidate is expected to conduct research and develop practices to address the issues described above.

The work will include planning, designing, and conducting field experiments (including data collection and statistical analyses) with input from producers to target research projects relative to the Missouri crop producing region. Ability to secure extramural funding and publishing research findings is also required. Collaboration with public and private researchers, farmers, and extension specialists within Missouri and other states is expected. Availability to producers to answer questions relative to management of insects and diseases in crop production is critical.

Specific activities of this position include: (1) Development, funding and coordination of a crop protection/disease and pest management program that meets the needs of crop farmers statewide; (2) Active collaboration with other faculty and extension specialists (on-campus and off-campus); (3) Interactions with stakeholders, commodity groups, farmers, advisory boards and other groups; (4) Significant contributions to the weekly Integrated Pest Management conference calls with state and field specialists in Extension; (5) Dissemination of research-based information to producers, industry and the scientific community via extension presentations and other publications including refereed publications. The successful candidate will also serve as state extension specialist. The role and responsibilities for State Extension Specialists in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources can be found at this link: https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/ExtensionWay/Docs/hr-ued1184.pdf

The position is located at the University of Missouri's (MU), Delta Research Center in Portageville, MO. Major crops in southeast Missouri include cotton, corn, rice, soybeans, grain sorghum and emerging crops such as peanuts. The T.E. "Jake" Fisher Delta Research Center (FDRC) (https://delta.missouri.edu/), is part of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station and contributes to MU's comprehensive land-grant responsibility. Its goal is to conduct high quality research that will respond to the needs of Missouri citizens, maintain and enhance our natural resource base, support a vital food and fiber system, and help keep Missouri producers competitive and profitable. FDRC staff work with campus faculty involved in teaching, research and extension along with state and federal agencies and Missouri agribusinesses to undergird education and a reliable, safe, sustainable supply of food and other agricultural products. In addition, FDRC faculty commonly collaborate with other state university faculty and staff and with others in industry on joint research projects that impact local, state, regional, national and international clientele. The FDRC facilities include 1,119 acres at four locations representing the major soil types of the region. In addition, the Missouri Rice Research farm consisting of 110 acres is an essential location to conduct research trials. The FDRC headquarters consists of 23 offices, seven modern laboratories, eight greenhouses, Foundation Seed cleaning and storage facilities, an auditorium, an exhibit hall, a library and an outstanding professional and support staff. While the position is located at the FDRC, the successful candidate will also be an integral faculty member of the Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in Columbia, MO (https://pst.missouri.edu/).

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy or a related field by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Experience in education and integrated pest management strategies to minimize negative impacts of insects and diseases affecting field crops such as cotton, corn, soybeans rice, and grain sorghum. Relevant postdoctoral experience is advantageous, but not a requirement. Excellent oral skills to communicate with farmers and other commodity stakeholders and the ability to work well in a collaborative team are essential. Other skills include the ability to secure funding, a knowledge of operating and maintaining plot and farm-scale equipment, and proven experience in data analysis, and writing (e.g., grant proposals, scientific and extension publications).

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin as they are received and continue to be accepted until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Please submit a resume with a list of recent publications, a cover letter in which the experiences and the suitability for the advertised position is clearly described, academic transcripts, and the contact information for at least 3 references. Applications should be submitted at the following website: https://erecruit.umsystem.edu/psc/tamext/COLUM/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U Job ID 39177.

The University of Missouri values diversity and is committed to working towards achieving equity and inclusion within all its programs. Candidates applying for this position are required to provide a statement addressing how they would utilize their former experience and knowledge to promote diversity and inclusion at the university and how that commitment would add value to the Division of Plant Science and Technology.

Contact: Questions pertaining to the job may be directed to Dr. James Schoelz (schoelzj@missouri.edu), Chair of the Search Committee at University of Missouri, or the Director of the Division of Plant Science and Technology Heike Buecking (heike.buecking@missouri.edu). Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at (573) 882-7976 or muhrs@missouri.edu

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 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.
The Chronicle of Higher Education. Keywords: Extension Specialist, Location: Portageville, MO - 63873