Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Assistant Professor-Tenure System in East Lansing, Michigan
Position Summary
The Department of Entomology at Michigan State University is accepting applications for a full-time, 12-month tenure-system Assistant Professor position in Aginformatics Entomology, with a 60% Research/40% Extension appointment. The successful applicant will develop and deliver data-driven integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for crop systems. Plant agriculture stakeholders urgently need arthropod management strategies that address resilience in the face of climate change, invasive species and other disrupting forces and we envision this position leveraging large datasets and experimental approaches to enhance productivity, biodiversity, and ecological functions of crop production systems across the Great Lakes region. This position is part of the new Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, a partnership among MSU, the Plant Coalition, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development aimed at developing solutions to long-term climate- and water-related problems. As part of this program, MSU has launched an extensive cluster hire process to attract expertise in critical areas of research and outreach necessary to address such grand challenges.
Michigan agriculture is diverse, encompassing conventional to organic production systems which yield high-value horticultural as well as commodity crops. Given its abundant freshwater resources, moderate climate, and diverse cropping systems, Michigan agriculture is well-positioned to increase in national importance. At the same time, producers are challenged by negative effects of climate change, long-established key pests along with new invasive species, and pollinator and natural enemy declines. Understanding the role of arthropods in soil health and soil carbon sequestration will also be of increasing importance.
The successful candidate will develop a research program that integrates investigation of arthropod biology and ecology with new and emerging technologies to model insect population dynamics, pest risk, and to develop novel management strategies. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in big data, machine learning, real-time remote sensing, robotic or UAV technologies, artificial intelligence, or other innovative analytical/technological tools to advance pest management systems. Training and mentoring of students at the interface between data science and pest management is expected.
Extension responsibilities will include engagement with crop producers and allied industries through MSU Extension to assess their needs, communicate research results, and guide application and implementation of new technologies. The selected candidate will be expected to work closely with campus-based extension specialists and extension educators during project development, conduct, and delivery.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Entomology, Ecology, Crop Science
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Entomology, Ecology, Crop Science, Data Science, Statistics or a related discipline with data-intensive research; demonstrated training and expertise in data science; experience working with big data, ecological modeling, and/or quantitative approaches; a record of scholarly activities demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications; excellent communication skills; and a commitment to training a diverse range of scholars.
Desired Qualifications
Postdoctoral training, with experience integrating multidisciplinary areas of agricultu