Classification Summary :

The Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science invites applicants for a tenure-track assistant professor of urban entomology position.

New Mexico State University, with the main campus located in Las Cruces, is the state’s land-grant institution, with more than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students on its five campuses. The EPPWS Department is part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, which is home to seven other academic departments, five extension departments, approximately 150 faculty members and 1,800 students. The department offers an undergraduate degree in two majors (1) Agricultural Biology and (2) General Agriculture, with five concentrations in Applied Biology, Applied Microbiology, Environmental Biology, Entomology, and Pest Biology & Management, and participates in the offering of a graduate degree : Master’s of Science in Agricultural Biology. The department is also developing a PhD program in Applied and Agricultural Biology. For more information about the department, please visit : https : / / eppws.nmsu.edu /

Classification Standard Duties :

The teaching and research emphasis of the department is on problem-solving and understanding the biology of pest and beneficial organisms, their interactions, and how pests and beneficial organisms impact urban, agricultural and natural resources. The department teaches integrated biology so students can understand and manage current and emerging issues in plant and animal health and protection, using tools from molecular to landscape scales.

Required Education, Experience, Certification / License, Equivalency

Ph.D. in Entomology or in a related biological science. Degree must be awarded prior to date of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Candidates must have a strong background and experience in urban entomology and bring a novel skill set to the department, which may include but is not limited to behavioral / chemical ecological tools, modeling / Al approaches, or other novel approaches to investigate urban entomological interactions. Applicants must have good communication skills and a strong commitment to teaching and to independent and collaborative research. The successful candidate will be expected to pursue contract and competitive grant funding and must meet minimum qualifications for NMSU graduate faculty appointment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science (EPPWS) seeks to hire an Assistant Professor to teach critical / popular courses needed by the Department and College and to develop an innovative, fundamental, and applied research program in urban entomology as it relates to integrated pest management in the semi-arid West. It is a tenure-track position that is 75% Research and 25% Teaching. This position will develop a creative, collaborative, extramurally funded research program that focuses on urban entomological interactions important to New Mexico’s urban ecosystems and the growing urban populations in New Mexico. Research areas could include, but are not limited to, insect / arthropod issues impacting communities (e.g., bed bugs, kissing bugs, mosquitoes, scorpions) and structures (e.g., cockroaches, ants, termites). Overarching research focus could include, but not limited to, pesticide resistance, population dynamics, behavioral / chemical ecological interactions, among other urban entomology topics of importance to stakeholders. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program and will have opportunities to leverage a vivarium associated with a new state of the art biomedical research laboratory facility that is in development and other resources. The Department seeks an individual who can work collaboratively with faculty across academic departments and colleges. Teaching responsibilities will include urban entomology, parasitology, and developing new courses depending on expertise (e.g., insect physiology), as well as supervision of graduate students. The applicant would also be expected to assist with the ongoing development of a doctoral program within the Department.

This position may foster collaborations and participate in activities and on research teams that support the work of the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS).

Preferred Qualifications

Postdoctoral experience is preferred. Demonstrated ability to procure external funding preferred. Prior teaching experience preferred.

Special Requirements of the Position

The following documents are required. Please include on the application :

1) a cover letter, including statement of research interests (2 page maximum), (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a statement of teaching philosophy and experience (2 page maximum), (4) transcripts, (5) names and contact information for three individuals who may be asked to provide letters of reference, and (6) a statement of your contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion. For more information about this requirement see : https : / / eid.nmsu.edu / eid-statements / index.html

A link to your Google Scholar or ResearchGate page preferred.

Department Contact : Scott Bundy, 575-646-3171, [email protected]

Contingent Upon Funding :   Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility :   This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule :   Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule :

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment : Work is normally performed in a typical interior / office work environment.

Physical Effort : No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements : Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk : No or very limited exposure to physical risk.