Assistant Extension Professor, Associate Extension Professor, or Extension Professor of Entomology (Specialty Crops) at University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky

Job Description:

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details Posting Details

Job Title	Assistant Extension Professor, Associate Extension Professor, or Extension Professor of Entomology (Specialty Crops)
Requisition Number	FE04473
Working Title	Specialty Crop Entomologist
Department Name	81080:ENTOMOLOGY
Work Location	Lexington, KY
Type of Position	Faculty
Position Time Status	Full-Time
Tenure Track Status	Tenure Track
Required Education	Ph.D. in Entomology or related discipline
Required Related Experience	Experience conducting applied research (as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications), working with stakeholders to address their needs, and using classical and modern Extension tools to translate research findings are desirable
Required License/Registration/Certification	N/A
Job Summary	The Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky seeks a broadly trained entomologist who will address the needs of stakeholders in the specialty crop industry through integrated management of arthropod pests. This combined Extension and research position will be located at the University of Kentucky’s main campus in Lexington, KY. Areas of Extension and applied research emphasis could include Integrated pest management of fruits and vegetables, addressing emerging entomological needs in specialty crops, contributing to pesticide applicator training, and/or facilitating pest management strategies for organic and other alternative agricultural industries. Kentucky hosts a vibrant community of small to mid-sized specialty crop producers with needs in the areas of diversified fruit and vegetable operations. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with members from the Departments of Entomology, Horticulture, Plant & Soil Sciences, and Plant Pathology as well as the Center for Crop Diversification to serve Kentucky’s specialty crop industries. In addition, partnering with Extension agents throughout the state of Kentucky to provide educational opportunities in specialty crop production is expected. This individual will develop a nationally and internationally recognized program and actively pursue external funding opportunities. The selected candidate is expected to work closely with stakeholders in their areas of expertise to ensure their program aligns with stakeholder needs. This faculty member will also have the opportunity to represent Kentucky as part of the IR-4 Project through the USDA. The successful candidate is expected to participate in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to the graduate education program in the Entomology Department. The selected candidate is expected to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals and to produce Extension materials which could include fact sheets, infographics, videos, podcasts, and social media posts. Applicants should submit the following materials: 1. Cover letter, explaining your interest in the position and why your background and expertise qualify you for this position (2 page maximum) 2. CV 3. Extension Statement, explaining your Extension philosophy, background/experience in Extension, and vision for an integrated Extension program (3 page maximum, uploaded under Special Request 1) 4. Research Statement, explaining your research philosophy, background/experience in applied research, and vision for an applied research program that addresses stakeholder needs (3 page maximum, uploaded under Special Request 2) 5. Five (5, maximum) selected examples of Extension and research publications (uploaded under Special Request 3) 6. Four (4) references who may be contacted for letters of recommendation from people who can address in their professional judgement your performance in advancing your scholarly field, significance of the venues in which you have been published, the grants you have been involved with, instructional accomplishments, and service performed. Please also indicate your reference relationship Review of applicants will begin April 1, 2025, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Contact: Drs. Zach DeVries (zdevries@uky.edu) and Jonathan Larson (jonathan.larson@uky.edu), Search Committee Co-Chairs
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?	Yes
Preferred Education/Experience	Ph.D. in Entomology or related discipline
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled	Yes
Our University Community	We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Where did you first see this position advertised other than on UK's online employment system?
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Diverseeducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education)
   • HERCjobs.org (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)
   • InsightIntoDiversity.com
   • Latinosinhighered.com
   • Indeed.com
   • A Colleague, Friend and/or Family Member
   • UK Job Fair
   • None of the Above

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vita
3. Specific Request 1
4. Specific Request 2
5. Specific Request 3

Optional Documents

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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