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Position: 12-month tenure-track, Assistant Professor in the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, with particular emphasis on diagnosing and managing arthropod pests of ornamental plants, nursery plants, and turf in commercial and residential, natural and managed systems.

Location: University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Central District Extension Office, 5201 Marchant Drive, Nashville, TN 37211. The position is located at the Soil, Plant, and Pest Center in Nashville, TN providing a unique location in close proximity to ornamental nurseries and a large urban community.

Duties and responsibilities: 100% Extension. The recruited individual is expected to develop and deliver a vibrant, nationally recognized innovative Extension education and applied research program focused on insect and mite pests affecting ornamental plants, nursery plants, and turf. The individual is expected to collaborate with colleagues at institutes locally (i.e. University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, etc.), regionally, and nationally. The individual will provide technical expertise on integrated pest management (IPM), develop an educational program using traditional and innovative outreach tools for diverse audiences (e.g., Extension agents and specialists, producers, regional and state leaders, Master Gardeners, and youth) and provide leadership in developing an Extension and outreach program that meets the needs of all eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status. Additional Extension duties include serving as State Survey Coordinator responsible for overseeing the CAPS (Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey) Program to monitor for new and emerging invasive species in Tennessee; assisting the Soil, Plant, and Pest Center in insect identification and diagnostics, which can vary considerably from year to year depending on demands; and participating in the training of graduate students. The candidate is expected to obtain extramural funding to support their program. The candidate also is expected to serve on committees or provide other forms of service to the department, university, and professional societies or organizations.

 Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in entomology or a closely related field, with experience in plant pest management and the ability to address the breadth of insect pest ecology and management in ornamental plants, nursery plants, or turf. Will need to have obtained Ph.D. before hiring.
• Demonstrated skills in diverse communication and dissemination strategies (e.g., traditional written and oral communication, electronic publications, web, social media), data management, and technical writing.
• Ability and willingness to meet demanding travel requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status.

Preferred or Desirable Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively to a diverse audience including faculty, stakeholder groups, and other clientele.
• Demonstrated knowledge of insect and mite pests affecting ornamental plants, nursery plants, or turf, as well as expertise with diverse communication and dissemination strategies (e.g., electronic publications, web, social media).
• Demonstrated knowledge of state-of-the-art techniques applicable to IPM and insect pest management.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly accomplishments in research, Extension, and/or teaching commensurate with career level.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain extramural funding.
• Evidence of scholarship through scientific presentations and publications.
• Ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University; experience working with, teaching or mentoring diverse students or diverse clientele and the ability to contribute to fostering diversity within UTIA.

About the department: The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is excited to fill four new faculty positions, including an ornamental entomologist (100% Extension; this position), an ornamental pathologist (100% Extension), a plant pathologist (80% research and 20% teaching); and an entomologist studying insect-microbial interactions (75% research and 25% teaching). The two Extension faculty positions will be located at the Soil, Plant, and Pest Center in Nashville, TN and the other two will be located on campus in Knoxville, TN.

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology provides leadership in the generation and dissemination of knowledge on insects and related arthropods, plant diseases, insect-vectored animal diseases, and agricultural bioinformatics that affect the quality of life of all Tennesseans. Our department is the only academic unit in Tennessee with the mission and responsibility to provide basic and applied information on questions of plant diseases and insect-related problems affecting plants, animals, and humans. Successful fulfillment of the mission requires a diverse complement of disciplinary expertise working in a highly integrated environment of teaching, research, Extension, and outreach. Departmental programs focus primarily on solving problems within Tennessee, yet draw on information generated worldwide and, in turn, provide information that is useful throughout the world. Our department strives to provide innovative, inclusive, high quality graduate education in the fields of entomology, plant pathology, nematology, and bioinformatics.

Effective Date:  Position available beginning September 1, 2022. Screening of applicant credentials will begin August 1, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits available include group medical insurance, dental insurance, group and individual life insurance, long-term disability insurance, workers’ compensation, retirement plan with UT contribution, sick leave, annual leave, paid holidays and administrative leave days, unemployment compensation, educational discounts, and use of University Services.

Interested individuals should submit an electronic package to  apply.interfolio.com/108896  consisting of a (1) letter of application, (2) statement of Extension education and research interests and plans, (3) curriculum vitae, (4) official transcripts, (5) statement addressing the applicant’s ability to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and (6) names and contact information of at least three references. An applicant’s guide to interfolio can be found here: https://product-help.interfolio.com/m/39937/l/606208-job-applicant-s-guide-to-interfolio-faculty-search. For additional information contact chair of the search committee, Karen Vail (kvail@utk.edu).

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status. Inquiries and charges of violation concerning any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity & Diversity, 2110 Terrace Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the above address.