Kansas State University
Department of Entomology
Position Announcement
Position:
Research Assistant Professor. Position is full-time, non-tenure track and will be managed out of
the Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, in Manhattan, KS. Reappointment is
contingent on available funding and performance.
Duties:
The incumbent will conduct research on developing quarantine and pest management treatments
against the khapra beetle (KB), Trogoderma granarium (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) with
fumigation, gamma irradiation and residual insecticides. The KB is quarantine insect for the USA,
so all direct work with KB will be conducted by the incumbent at the USDA APHIS facility at
Buzzards Bay on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Thus the incumbent will work with USDA
collaborators on Cape Cod but be part of the KSU research group of Dr. Tom Phillips in Kansas.
The primary objective is to develop new treatment options for KB, which has not received research
attention for many decades. With the potential loss of methyl bromide for quarantine fumigations,
this project will study the fumigants phosphine and sulfuryl fluoride for control and quarantine
security against KB. Activity of modern residual insecticides against KB will be studied for
potential application in disinfestiaon of structures in the event of a KB introduction. Incumbent
may supervise one or more technical staff, maintain insect colonies and manipulate insects
experimentally, write specific experimental protocols, order supplies, maintain relevant laboratory
equipment, write scientific reports and deliver poster and oral presentations about this work at
scientific conferences.
Qualifications:
This position requires a Ph.D. in entomology, biology or a related field. Broad knowledge of
experimental design, data collection and statistical analysis with associated software programs are
necessary. The incumbent must have an understanding and experience with integrated pest
management and particularly chemical control methods. Experience in entomological experimental
methods such as laboratory toxicity assays, insect rearing, and execution of experiments with live
insects. Demonstrated experience in writing and publishing peer-reviewed journal articles beyond
those generated from the Ph.D. degree is required. Preferred qualifications include experience
beyond the Ph.D. that may include work with insecticides and other controls; experience working
with fumigants, such as phosphine, methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride together with the analytical
methods of gas chromatography used in quantifying fumigant gases used in experiments.
Experience working with stored grain insects is useful.
Salary and benefits:
Salary will be based on qualifications and experience. This position is eligible for Kansas State
University unclassified position benefits.
How to apply:
Screening of applications will begin June 5, 2013 and will continue until a suitable candidate is
found. Submit by email: a cover letter of application elaborating qualifications for the position,
curriculum vitae, copies of university transcripts, and the names and contact information for at least
three professional references. Submit materials to Evelyn Kennedy at ekennedy@ksu.edu
Date Available:
June 17, 2013
Kansas State University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and actively
seeks diversity among its employees. A background check will be required.