Assistant Professor of Soil Arthropod Ecology
Research (60%) Extension (40%)
Tenure-track, Academic Year Appointment (9 months)
Department of Entomology
Cornell University
Geneva, New York
CONTEXT FOR POSITION: Arthropods are abundant and diverse in the soil
environment. Species interactions that occur below ground are poorly
understood, yet critically important to soil, plant and environmental
health, and food security. Herbivory by subterranean arthropods
causes significant economic losses to agricultural crops, recreation
areas, and the urban landscape in NY and around the world. As a
consequence, research on the ecology of arthropods in the soil
environment, including indigenous and invasive pest species, remains
a continuing priority and need. This position is also essential for
the economic health of the turfgrass industry in NY. In a recent
analysis of green industries in the U.S., NY was ranked among the top
10 states for the value of its turfgrass, nursery and landscape
industries. Managed turfgrass covers approximately 10% of the land
area in NY and includes lawns, sports fields, golf courses and sod.
Concurrent with this search, the Department of Plant Pathology and
Plant-Microbe Biology at Cornell University's NYSAES will be filling
a new faculty position in the area of soil microbiology and vegetable
pathology.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will develop and carry out
an innovative research program on the ecology and management of soil
arthropods. Areas of investigation could encompass behavioral or
population ecology of soil arthropod pests including, but not limited
to, the influence of natural enemies, soil-borne pathogens, the soil
physical and chemical environment, and host plants; community ecology
of soil arthropod pests including the functional role of soil micro-
and macro-biota; and factors influencing the spatial and temporal
dynamics of soil arthropod populations. Research should address both
fundamental questions about soil arthropod ecology and strategies to
mitigate pest problems of economic significance in NY caused by soil
arthropods in turfgrass and related industries. The research program
should inform the candidate's extension program. The candidate is
expected to collaborate with related programs within and outside of
CALS and contribute to our Land Grant Mission. The candidate is
expected to mentor graduate students, publish research findings in
peer-reviewed journals and secure strong and stable extramural
funding from a wide array of sources including federal, state and
industry groups. Cornell University is an equal opportunity,
affirmative action educator and employer.
The successful candidate will develop and execute an innovative
extension program focused primarily on the management of arthropod
pests in turfgrass and contribute to Cornell's interdisciplinary
turfgrass extension program. Responsibilities include, but are not
limited to 1) generating, interpreting, and disseminating
research-based information to stakeholders with interest in turfgrass
through multiple avenues; 2) writing and editing, on an annual basis,
the arthropod management portion of the Cornell Pest Management
Guidelines for Commercial Turfgrass; 3) preparing and delivering
electronic, written, and visual educational materials; and 4)
participating in formal extension programming and informal meetings
with stakeholders in the turfgrass industry. The candidate may also
find conducting demonstration trials and close interaction with
stakeholders useful in developing improved management practices with
reduced environmental impact. The successful candidate is expected to
be a resource for the NYS IPM Program and extension educators,
providing training and assistance in arthropod management methods. In
addition, interactions with faculty, staff, stakeholder groups, and
federal and state agencies are expected.
QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. in a biological science with training and
experience in entomology or ecology or both. The successful candidate
should have research experience in a key area of specialization, must
show evidence of the ability to work with other researchers in
collaborative inquiry and provide evidence of the ability to attract
extramural research support, publish in peer-reviewed journals and
coordinate and lead an innovative research program.
SALARY: Competitive, commensurate with background and experience,
with an attractive fringe benefits package.
APPLICATIONS: Please submit (1) letter of application, (2) current
curriculum vitae, (3) statement of research interests and
professional goals, and (4) names and contact information of three
individuals who have been asked to provide letters of reference.
Applicants also should arrange for letters of reference to be
received prior to the deadline for consideration. All submissions and
letters of reference should be sent to Dr. Brian Nault, Search
Committee Chair, c/o Nancy Reissig, [email protected]. Electronic
applications are preferred as a single PDF file; any documents
available only as hard copy should be sent to Nancy Reissig, Soil
Arthropod Ecology Search Committee, Cornell University, Department of
Entomology, Barton Laboratory, 630 W. North Street, Geneva, NY 14456.
Review of applications will begin on December 7, 2012; applications
submitted after this date may be considered until a suitable
candidate has been identified.
More information about the Department of Entomology may be found at:
http://entomology.cornell.edu
