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The Precision Application Technology Specialist is a 12-month, open rank, tenure-track position within the Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture and Biological Systems Engineering at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center (WCREEC) within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The incumbent will conduct an integrated research and extension program to ensure economic and environmental viability of irrigated and rain-fed cropping systems integrated with best practices for pesticide use in Nebraska and beyond. The apportionment for this position is 50% research and 50% extension. This position is located in North Platte, Nebraska.

The incumbent is expected to maintain a high impact, nationally and internationally recognized, externally supported program contributing as an effective scholar and citizen to the integrated extension and research land-grant mission of IANR and UNL, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture and Biological Systems Engineering are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups.

RESEARCH – 50%
The successful candidate will contribute towards IANR-wide goals to improve agricultural productivity, health and resilience through development and use of precision pesticide application technology for integrated pest (weed, insect, disease) management. IANR has made significant investments in a state-of-the-art Pesticide Application Technology (PAT) Lab to support research and extension programming in precision pesticide application technologies (https://pat.unl.edu/). Leveraging these infrastructural investments and collaboration with weed scientists, entomologists, plant pathologists, irrigation specialists, engineers, spatial scientists, statisticians, state/federal agencies, and the pesticide industry is key to the success of this position.

EXTENSION – 50%
Extension programming focuses on pest management technologies to support cropping system resilience and sustainability by leading and contributing to multidisciplinary teams that engage producers in innovative exchanges of information and will address needs and opportunities focused on learners and emerging regional and national issues regarding safe and effective use of pesticides in crops. It is also expected to support and collaborate with the Pesticide Safety and Education Program (https://pested.unl.edu/) at UNL to develop clientele-based pesticide education programs to produce scholarly outcomes to educate stakeholders on pesticide related topics. The impact of programming shall be measured and the results will be communicated to administrators, stakeholders, and users.

The incumbent is expected to seek and establish effective disciplinary and trans-disciplinary collaborations including integration with local stakeholders, complementary research groups, extension teams, educational programs, and other partners. This position will be housed at WCREEC and interaction with clientele and industry in the area is key to maintaining the University’s presence across the state.

The candidate is expected to effectively mentor a diverse team of technicians and students and to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university levels.

A PhD in agronomy, weed science, or a related area at the time of hire is required. Additionally, the successful candidate must have experience with pesticide research and precision application tools.

Preference will be given to applicants with post-doctoral training or other professional experience conducting research and extension in pesticide application technology, weed science, and/or related fields; demonstrated ability to secure competitive grant funding and industry support for research; demonstrated ability to conduct applied translational research of value to stakeholders; demonstrated ability to develop an extension program that will aid stakeholders in making pest management and pesticide application decisions that are efficient, effective, and environmentally sustainable; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams; demonstrated ability to provide mentorship to graduate students and undergraduate students; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research results and engage stakeholders in innovative exchanges of information; the ability to conduct research to improve agricultural productivity, health and resilience through development and use of precision pesticide application technology for integrated pest (weed, insect, disease) management; and a commitment to creating learning, research, extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity.

Review of applications will begin April 30, 2022 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_220045. Click on “Apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions; 2) your curriculum vitae; 3) contact information for three professional references; 4) statements that describe your philosophy and approach to research and extension; and 5) a statement of your experience contributing to inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters. Please note, the statements (items 4 and 5) should be no more than two pages each. You will need to combine these items into a single document before attaching to your application.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.