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Posted: 12-Nov-22
Location: University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 117059
Position: 9-month tenure-track, Assistant or Associate Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology, with particular emphasis on insect-microbe interactions
Duties and responsibilities: 75% research/25% teaching. The recruited individual is expected to develop an innovative, nationally and internationally recognized, and extramurally funded research program focused broadly on insect-microbe or insect-plant-microbe interactions. Potential areas of research could include (but are not limited to) insect microbial communities or microbiomes/viromes that influence arthropod fitness or reproduction; metabolomics or proteomics; population and evolutionary genomics; pathology; symbiosis; or pathogen infection and transmission. While the potential area of research is broadly defined and could focus on interactions with pests, model insects, beneficial or invasive species, we particularly are interested in candidates with demonstrated computational biology and bioinformatics skills. The responsibilities in Herbert College of Agriculture (25%) include teaching one course in molecular insect-microbe interactions or a related course in the candidate's specific area(s) of expertise, and a new course developed by the candidate that will contribute to training of students in our Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions concentration. Collaboration with current departmental research strengths and extension colleagues both on- and off-campus is expected. The candidate also is expected to mentor graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and to provide service to the department, university, and professional societies or organizations.
About the department: The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology provides leadership in the generation and dissemination of knowledge on plant diseases, insect-vectored animal diseases, related arthropods and insect pests, 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, and bioinformatics.
The ultimate goal of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is to excel in fulfilling the land-grant mission that sets it apart from other institutions within Tennessee and across the nation. UT Extension works with farmers, families, youth and communities to improve lives by addressing problems and issues at the local, state and national levels. We work closely with members of our local community to discover, educate, and support a variety of initiatives that benefit agriculture, homes and other structures, and the environment. Our specialists closely collaborate with ecologists, toxicologists, soil scientists, plant geneticists, horticulturists, agronomists, veterinarians, health and pest management professionals, Extension personnel, and non-governmental and governmental organizational representatives to provide research-based solutions to our clientele. Our specialists use their expertise in alternative methods of disease and insect management to help meet the need for healthy homes, landscapes and healthful food production without or with reduced use of pesticides.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in entomology, microbiology, genetics, evolutionary biology, ecology, bioinformatics, or a closely related field, with depth in a discipline and the ability to address the breadth of insect-microbe interactions. Will need to have obtained PhD before hiring.
- Demonstrated skills in computational biology and bioinformatics
- Demonstrated skills in written and oral communication, data management, and technical writing.
- Demonstrated record of scholarly accomplishments in research and teaching commensurate with career level.
Preferred or Desirable Qualifications:
- Evidence of scholarship through scientific presentations and publications.
- Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding.
- Postdoctoral experience, including academic, research, government, or industry settings.
- Ability to communicate effectively to a diverse audience including faculty, stakeholder groups, and other clientele.
- Ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. We are especially interested in candidates that have experience working with, teaching or mentoring diverse students or diverse clientele and the ability to contribute to fostering diversity within UTIA.
Interested individuals should submit an electronic package to https://apply.interfolio.com consisting of a letter of application, statement of research plans and teaching interests (single document), curriculum vitae, statement addressing the applicant's ability to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and names and contact information of at least three references. References will be contacted for candidates selected for further review. For additional information contact chair of the search committee, Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes (jurat@utk.edu).
Effective Date: Position available beginning July 1, 2023. Screening of applicant credentials will begin January 9, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission 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, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone 865-974-2498. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.
