Position Function:
This position is a 100% Extension appointment (tenure track) with Mississippi State University located on the Main Campus in Starkville, MS. The primary function of this position will be to develop, coordinate and implement applied research and Extension programs aimed at managing insect pests of ornamental plants, turfgrass, and forage grasses in Mississippi. The incumbent will work as part of a multidisciplinary team involved in applied research and Extension. In particular, the incumbent will conduct applied research on established and experimental technologies (insecticides, biological processes, etc.), practices that improve integrated pest management (IPM), and develop novel approaches to manage primary and secondary insect pests of ornamental plants, turfgrass, and forage grasses found in Mississippi and the mid-south. The incumbent will incorporate these and other research findings into the development of a statewide Extension program that meets the needs of commercial growers, homeowners, and other stakeholders utilizing appropriate technologies and delivery methods.
The incumbent will develop and maintain close working relationships with growers and other stakeholders, including commodity groups, governmental and non-governmental agencies, plant protection industries, MSU Extension specialists, Extension agents, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) researchers and others, to ensure that their entomology research and Extension program is focused on the most pressing needs of stakeholders.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection has academic, research, and extension education missions within the traditions of land-grant universities. The Department has 26 faculty in the entomology and plant pathology disciplines. The Department offers B.S, M.S., and Ph.D. degrees and currently advises approximately 100 undergraduate and 30 graduate students.
Area of Specialization:
Ornamental and Turfgrass Entomology
Anticipated Appointment Date:
January 1, 2024.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will conduct applied entomology research and develop an Extension program related to insect pest management in ornamental crops, turfgrass and forages in Mississippi. In developing the Extension and applied research program, the incumbent will work with producers, homeowners, agribusinesses and other stakeholders as appropriate to identify techniques to effectively and efficiently manage insect pests while protecting plants, the environment, and profitability. As a result, the incumbent should have a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research findings and troubleshoot problems with farmers, homeowners, and Extension personnel. The Extension program should include competency/in-service training for Extension agents; development and publication of appropriate Extension materials such as publications and instructional videos or other appropriate digital and social media; technical assistance for Extension agents, farmers, homeowners, and other stakeholders; and other appropriate Extension delivery methods. Furthermore, the incumbent will demonstrate and present information and updates through effective program delivery by planning and participating in local, state, regional, and national professional and stakeholder meetings.
The incumbent will collaborate with colleagues in grant and contract proposals seeking funding to support applied research and Extension efforts.
Research is expected to include evaluating damage thresholds, evaluating new and existing insecticides, studying host plant resistance, and developing other IPM-related strategies. The incumbent will cooperate with other scientific disciplines represented at Mississippi State University and USDA-ARS, as well as other groups when appropriate to develop and improve IPM programs in ornamental crops and turf, and forages.
Publishing findings in appropriate professional journals is expected. The incumbent will be encouraged to participate in graduate student training and contribute to collaborative teaching in off-campus and campus-based educational programs in entomology and pest management, whether formal or non formal. The successful candidate will actively participate in professional societies and organizations as well as appropriate MSU committees and commodity groups. These activities should include involvement in coordinating entomology and IPM research goals and objectives through collaborative efforts.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in entomology or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher learning.
Individuals who are ABD (all but dissertation) will be considered. Acceptable candidate must have outstanding verbal and written communication skills and experience in insect pest management.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong experience in integrated pest management in horticultural production and demonstrated excellence or potential in conducting applied research, developing and delivering effective Extension programs, obtaining extramural grant funding, and publishing scholarly work.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal and written communication skills are required for the position. Organizational and leadership skills are also important.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Frequent travel including occasional overnight stays is required. Frequent field work, sometimes under hot and humid conditions, is required/expected.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants MUST apply online at explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, transcripts of all college and university work, and the names and complete contact information of three professional references.
Inquires can be emailed to Swayze Hollenhead at sh1270@msstate.edu. A review of applications will begin September 16, 2024; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Please note that any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online and that official transcripts will be requested of finalists.
Screening Date:
September 16, 2024, until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
