Category: Jobs
Title: Job: Insect Diagnostician position Utah State University
Date/Deadline: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Details: Overview Utah State University seeks an accomplished and collaborative insect diagnostician and pest management specialist to join the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab (UPPDL) in the Department of Biology, USU Logan campus. The successful candidate will have a solid background in insect and arthropod identification and pest management, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively in Extension. The composition of the position is 95% Extension and 5% service. This is a non-tenure track, faculty appointment at the Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor rank with opportunity for promotion. Review of applicants will begin in late March 2023 and will continue until the position is filled, with a tentative start of June 1, 2023. This position is not eligible for remote work. Annual reappointment of this position is contingent upon annual review and availability of funding. (This position has been continuously funded for many years and we anticipate this to continue in the future.) The successful candidate has the option to secure an additional 0.15 FTE salary from external funding such as grant awards. This position will oversee all aspects of the UPPDL including managing budgets, lab operations, communication with state agencies, and all insect identification and interaction with clients (agriculture, green industry, commercial businesses, homeowners, and more). In addition to directing the UPPDL, the candidate will grow to be a leader in a pest management-related area as determined by a needs assessment. The candidate will develop and implement Extension programming, outreach, and evaluation, and achieve scholarship (such as published papers, professional presentations, grants, etc.) for promotion. Some day trips and overnight travel will be required. Some operating funds are available to support diagnostic and pest management activities; however, garnering internal and external operating funds is expected. Benefits of working at USU Excellent benefits package with generous retirement contribution Belong to a large, nationally-recognized University while living in the beautiful Cache Valley; Utah State University is one of Utah’s ten largest employers Professional development support Employee Wellness program Increase your knowledge with tuition waivers or class auditing Contact the search committee chair, Marion Murray, at marion.murray@usu.edu or 435-797-0776 with any questions. Responsibilities Receive all diagnostic samples (including plant diseases); identify arthropod samples and prepare timely responses to clientele. Maintain records and databases. Respond to email and phone inquiries about arthropod identification. Interact frequently with members of the general public, state and federal agencies, Department of Biology faculty, pesticide applicators, and various plant production industries in Utah (landscape, nursery, agriculture). Hire and supervise a student diagnostician assistant where funds allow. Maintain the UPPDL website and oversee quarterly delivery of Utah Pests News newsletter. Maintain the UPPDL lab safety requirements and safety standard operating procedures. Manage the budget for the UPPDL and prepare annual reports. Work collaboratively with members of the USU Extension pest management team and organize periodic group meetings. Lead in-service training (such as an annual workshop, monthly webinars) for county Extension faculty. Generate funding via grant-writing or other means for additional scholarly projects. Develop and evaluate a successful Extension outreach program that shows positive impacts. This could be an expertise in advanced diagnostics (such as molecular) and/or a pest management topic that is not already covered by the current Extension pest management team, such as urban pests. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: An earned Master of Science degree in a biological science with completion of at least two graduate courses in entomology. Subject area expertise in management and identification of insect pests of one or more of the following: agricultural crops, ornamentals, turf, buildings/structures, food storage, nuisance, or related. Demonstration of strong oral communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate with state agricultural leaders, industry professionals, and the general public about pests and pest management information. Evidence of excellent technical writing and editing skills. Ability to work with a team, yet also exhibit self-motivation, organization, and independence. Strong desire to be a part of USU Extension. Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel overnight. Preferred Qualifications: At least two years of experience with insect and plant-pest diagnostics in a client-based, clinical setting. Knowledge of website editing, image editing, and computer software such as MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and database management. Required Documents Along with the online application, please include the following: A curriculum vita to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV" Contact information for three professional references (email and phone number) to be provided at the beginning of your application in Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10” A cover letter that addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications and subject area expertise, to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10” A copy of your transcripts from college and graduate school(s) (unofficial), to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10” An example of your writing that illustrates your ability to extend technical knowledge of a chosen entomology topic to the general public. Upload this at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10.” Advertised Salary Salary range $48,000 - $51,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits