The Department of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison is seeking to fill a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Extension Fruit Crop Entomology to provide leadership in developing outreach and research to address the needs of stakeholders and improve management of Wisconsin's fruit crops (i.e., apple, cranberry, grape, small fruits/berries). Wisconsin's fruit crops contribute significantly to the state's economy. Cranberry is the largest of the fruit-crop industries, with nearly $1 billion in annual economic activity and over 4K jobs statewide. Given that Wisconsin is an agriculturally and ecologically diverse state, an integrative approach to Extension and applied research is needed in this position, including the integrated pest management of fruit crop entomological pests as well as the development of novel and innovative approaches in pest suppression.

A successful candidate will be expected to develop and lead a regionally and nationally recognized Extension program supported by a strong applied-research program in the area of sustainable, fruit crop management emphasizing integrated pest management of pest species. The candidate will conduct applied and basic research that will inform crop and pest management recommendations and support fruit Extension and educational needs throughout the state. Outcomes of these efforts are intended to build resiliency and overall sustainability of fruit crop production and surrounding agroecosystems.

Recommendations will be conveyed through extension and outreach avenues such as websites, social media, field days, grower meetings, and the Wisconsin Fruit newsletter. This person will be part of the existing University of Wisconsin commercial fruit Extension team, which includes a horticulturist, plant pathologist, and weed scientist. This specialization will also lend support to Extension colleagues assigned to other commodities.

We are especially interested in candidates whose applied research interests can provide a scientific understanding of the main entomological factors influencing fruit crop production and pest management in Wisconsin. We encourage applicants with backgrounds working on the fundamental biology of arthropod pests in related fruit crop systems. This faculty position carries a commitment to research, extension education and outreach, as well as professional and university service as appropriate to faculty rank.

This position is part of UW-Madison's Excellence in Mentoring Initiative. The Excellence in Mentoring Initiative aims to recruit outstanding faculty who, in addition to their demonstrated excellence or strong potential in research and teaching, have demonstrated the ability and commitment to mentor at-risk, first-generation, or under-represented undergraduate or graduate students to achieve academic success.  Candidates who may not qualify for the EIM should still apply and will be given full consideration.

https://facstaff.provost.wisc.edu/faculty-hiring-and-retention-resources/#excellence-in-mentoring-initiative

Successful candidates will have a record of or demonstrate potential for:

• Developing and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships through Extension and outreach programming

• Devising integrated pest management solutions for key pests

• Producing publications in peer-reviewed journals

• Graduate student training and mentoring

• Writing extramural grants

• Contributing to the community and service functions of the department, the Division of Extension and CALS

• Promoting an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities

Required - PhD in Entomology or a related field

About University of Wisconsin - Madison

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to equity, inclusion and employee well-being as we proudly work to improve the lives of people in Wisconsin and beyond. As a public land-grant university and major research institution, our students, staff, and faculty engage in a world-class education while solving real-world problems. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a powerful economic engine for the state, generating $15 billion annually in economic impact. Our contributions make Wisconsin financially stronger and more competitive across all industries. With public service — or as we call it, the Wisconsin Idea — as our guiding principle, Badgers are creating a better future for everyone.

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