Assistant Extension Professor, Entomology, Mississippi State University
Department Profile: The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant
Pathology pursues academic, research and extension missions within the traditions of Land-Grant
Universities. The mission of the extension branch of the department is to deliver current, research-based
integrated pest management education programs to the people of Mississippi. The Department offers
B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and currently advises approximately 400 undergraduates and 50 graduate
students.
Position Functions: The Department seeks applicants for an Assistant Extension Professor position who
will develop and maintain a statewide extension and applied research program focused on current and
emerging invasive insect pests, with special interest in developing IPM-based control strategies. This is a
12-month, 100% extension, non-tenure-track position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be expected to develop and
maintain a statewide extension program that focuses on education, applied research, and development of
IPM-based control strategies for invasive insect pests. Potential areas of interest include, but are not
limited to: fire ants, Formosan termites, brown marmorated stink bug, spotted winged drosophila, old
world bollworm, emerald ash borer, and Asian tiger mosquito. Key clientele groups for this program
include, but are not limited to: Mississippi citizens, county extension personnel, industry professionals,
and state and federal regulatory agencies.
Successful applicants will have a strong commitment to extension outreach education and are expected to
collaborate closely with other extension and research faculty. Successful applicants will be expected to
pursue extramural funding and conduct applied research as needed to support these goals, and to develop
a regionally and nationally-recognized extension program. In addition to maintaining an active extension
program, the successful candidate will be expected to engage in service activities, interact and collaborate
with colleagues, and generally contribute to the diverse missions of the department.
Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Entomology or a closely related field is required. Applicants must have
extensive field experience in applied pest management as well as development and implementation of
IPM programs. Applicants should possess a strong sense of personal initiative and a desire to serve and
educate target clientele groups throughout the state. Applicants must have outstanding oral and written
communication skills that will allow them to easily inform and educate the diverse clientele groups they
serve. Applications from women and members of groups that are under-represented in STEM disciplines
are strongly encouraged.
Instructions for Applying: For complete position descriptions and application instructions please visit
www.jobs.msstate.edu . All candidates are required to complete the Personal Data Information Form online and attach CV, cover letter, statements of professional interests and extension education philosophy.
Applicants must also provide contact information for at least three potential references. Applicants should
clearly convey how their background and training have prepared them to serve as an extension specialist
and provide their vision of the future for this position. Screening will begin on or around January 15,
2016 and will continue until the position is filled. Departmental Contact: Dr. Blake Layton, Search
Committee Chair, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology,
Mississippi State University, Mailstop 9775, Lyle Entomology Building, Mississippi State, MS 39762,
Phone: 662-325-2960; Fax: 662-325-8837, E-mail: blayton@ext.msstate.edu
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected
veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome nominations and
applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for
building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.