Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Urban Entomology

Ast/Aso/Full Prof

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

This is a 9-month tenure-accruing position that will be 80% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 20% teaching (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) available in the Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida in Gainesville FL, where tenure will accrue. The nature of the assignment may change in accordance with the changing needs of the department and IFAS.

The successful candidate must demonstrate evidence of strong training and experience with modern biological approaches to the study of integrated pest management of insects of importance in and around the built environment. Florida is regularly challenged with emerging and invasive urban pests. The incumbent will be expected to develop successful research and teaching programs with an emphasis on biology and management of urban and structural pests; they will have access to urban entomology endowment funds to support these programs. The candidate will be expected to engage in and contribute to addressing issues of importance to stakeholders in our state and to broader collaborative efforts related to urban pest management.

This is a broad-based search. Research areas could include, but are not limited to behavior, ecology, genetics, physiology and toxicology of urban/structural pests. Entomologists that are strongly motivated to address important questions promoting sustainable and integrated pest management-based solutions for urban pests are encouraged to apply. Urban pest management is a departmental strength at UF with 8 urban entomology faculty members and the incumbent will be expected to interact and synergize with these urban pest management programs. Opportunities exist for collaboration with urban entomologists on the Gainesville campus, at UF Research and Education Centers, IFAS County extension, regulators for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the various urban pest management associations in Florida, nationally and internationally.

The successful candidate will participate actively in scholarly activities related to instruction, including chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising undergraduate and graduate research and creative work, publishing results with graduate students, and engaging in professional development activities related to mentoring and advising. Course development and deployment will be negotiated based on a combination of the successful candidate’s areas of expertise and departmental curricular needs, including the potential for online and distance learning formats.

The faculty member will aggressively seek contract and grant funding to support their program and must consistently publish scientific publications both in peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate venues. Faculty are expected to participate in professional development activities such as training in mentoring, grant writing and intercultural competency.

UF/IFAS is a land-grant institution under which all faculty are expected to be supportive of and engaged in all three mission areas—Research, Teaching, and Extension—regardless of the assignment split specified in the position description.

Background Information:

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

The Entomology and Nematology Department has varied teaching, research, and extension programs with 38 faculty members located on main campus in Gainesville and 39 faculty located at 11 Research and Education Centers throughout the state. One of the largest Entomology and Nematology programs in the world, the department has extensive graduate and undergraduate majors, including both in-person and fully online options. The department is a leader in teaching innovation, particularly regarding distance education and the student experience. The Entomology and Nematology Department has faculty associated with the Invasion Science Research Institute, and the Emerging Pathogens Institute, and is the home to the Center for Arthropod Management Technologies.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Entomology or related field, with experience in urban pest management. Candidates must have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships, publication in peer-reviewed journals, and procurement of extramural funding. Candidates must have the aptitude and motivation necessary for cooperation with a varied group of stakeholders, including the pest control industry, technology providers, county extension personnel, staff, faculty, and statewide colleagues. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. Familiarity with urban pests or arthropods of regulatory concern; including but not limited to termites, ants, cockroaches, wood destroying beetles, stored product pests, occasional invaders, nuisance, biting and venomous arthropods in the urban environments.

Known leader in urban pest management. Postdoctoral experience.

Review of applications will begin on May 8, 2024. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions

This position is available from January 1, 2025. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Nominations

Nominations are welcome. Nominations, including the complete name, address and email address of the nominee, should be sent to:

Please refer to Requisition # 531052

Dr. Dan Hahn

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida, IFAS

Entomology & Nematology Department

PO Box 110620

1881 Natural Area Drive

Gainesville, FL 32611

Telephone: 352-273-3960

Facsimile: 352-392-1090

Electronic Mail: dahahn@ufl.edu

Application Information

• Applicants should apply online at Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research interests and program development goals
• Statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.