Description:

Primary responsibilities for this position include, but not limited to, conducting field and laboratory applied ecology and IPM research and other duties to be determined by your direct supervisor.

The selected applicant will provide support in research and writing proposals for extramural funding in IPM Research and writing peer-reviewed publications.

He/she will conduct research on insect ecology to develop a sustainable management system for pests of crucifers (primarily the harlequin bug); insecticide and alternative management of related pests in organic crucifer production systems.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences ( CAES ) has a rich history of innovation and application of cutting-edge technology.

From our pioneering Laboratory Animal Science and Landscape Architecture programs to our award-winning Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research programs, our faculty and staff serve today’s needs while keeping an eye on the future.

With programs and expertise in such areas as biotechnology, agricultural and biosystems engineering, natural resources management, waste management, and food microbiology, the A&T College of Agriculture grows concurrently with the demand for qualified graduates.

Our four academic departments are the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education; the Department of Animal Sciences; the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design.

Within these departments, students will find a myriad of opportunities for classroom learning, research and field work.

Through our Agricultural Research Program and our Cooperative Extension Program, we are able to research issues of importance to North Carolina and also provide research-based outreach training to citizens across the state and around the world.

Internal job number: 009259

Requirements:

The applicant should preferably hold a Ph.D. in entomology, or a closely related discipline.

Research experience in integrated pest management and insect ecology, including experimental design and statistical analysis is required.

Excellent organizational and written and interpersonal communication skills are required.

A minimum of three years of doctoral research and/or 1-year post-PhD graduation experience in a university or research center emphasizing applied insect; demonstrated experience in developing proposals and conducting research in insect ecology and pesticide safety; pest management research applicable to an applied ecological focus or work related to small-holder agriculture.

Experience in insect biology and rearing is desired.

Proven record of peer-reviewed publications and presentation of research.

Fieldwork will require having a valid driver’s license.

A Master’s with a proven record of four or more years in the above areas will be considered.

Preferred:

The preferred qualification for this position is a Ph.D. in Entomology but a Master’s with strong quantitative skills and experience in conducting research on pests of small farm crops, especially pests of leafy indigenous and niche vegetables, ability to conduct studies on plant resistance and the underlying mechanisms will be considered.

A good understanding of the relationship between resistance, other bio-intensive approaches, and insecticide use; writing of research proposals and a culture of scientific publications.

A strong background is required in an analytical approach to problem-solving in different biological systems, research design, and statistical analysis using different platforms.

Some training in molecular and/or biochemical sciences and procedures and previous work experience on amaranth would be an advantage.