National War College Alumni Association

The Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU) and Cooperative Extension in the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences (CAEHS) at Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) seek an Assistant Extension Professor and State Extension Specialist in Urban and Structural Entomology. The position is a 12-month non-tenure-track faculty position with responsibilities for Extension and applied research. The position will be located on the MU campus in Columbia, MO, but a close collaboration with faculty at LU in Jefferson City, MO is expected.

Responsibilities:  Primary responsibility will be to develop an Extension Education program that addresses urban and structural entomology. The specialist is expected to answer questions from the public on household pests (e.g., termites, ants), pests that threaten human health (e.g., mosquitoes, fleas, bed bugs), and pests of ornamental plants (e.g., insects, mites). The specialist will also cover apiculture and provide training, advice, and other outreach services to private and professional beekeepers in Missouri. It is expected that the successful candidate will develop a creative, collaborative, and extramurally funded applied research program that supports the Extension Education program. The successful applicant will be a part of an interdisciplinary team that includes other entomologists, pathologists, horticulturalists, economists, ecologists, and food safety specialists. The successful applicant is expected to work collaboratively with faculty across academic departments and campuses and to train and answer questions from Field Specialists with MU Extension and LU Extension. The successful applicant will collaborate with partners in industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. Availability to answer questions from the public and local extension personnel from around the state relative to urban pest management is critical. As an integral faculty member of DPST at MU, CAEHS at LU, and the Extension Integrated Pest Management programs at LU and MU, the successful candidate will also serve on committees that further the missions of the two universities.

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in Entomology or in a field of study directly related to the position description at the time of hire.

Candidates will be evaluated on:  A strong background and experience in outreach and education related to urban, structural, or ornamental entomology. Demonstrated record of collaborative research and scholarship, stakeholder engagement, and innovative approaches to urban or structural pest management. Understanding of entomology practices, including the control of structural and urban insect pests, and of apiculture. Oral skills and the ability to communicate with constituents and other stakeholders and to work in a collaborative team. Prior applied research and extension experience. Ability to secure extramural funding. Ability to produce compelling and unique extension education materials, including websites, apps, presentations, social media, and e-tools. Experience in statistical analysis of data and professional writing (e.g., grant proposals, scientific publications, and extension publications). Proficiency with standard computer software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits: The University of Missouri offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on university benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at: http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

More Information about the Campuses and Community:

The Division of Plant Science and Technology includes a diverse group of approximately 50 faculty, including a strong Extension program that works with dozens of horticultural and agronomic extension specialists located across the state. The University of Missouri campus is located in Columbia, MO, a vibrant and growing college town of over 126,000 with a high quality of life and relatively low cost of living.  Columbia is located in central Missouri, half-way between Kansas City and St. Louis, about 2 hours from each of those metropolitan areas.

Lincoln University is one of the oldest historically black college and universities in the United States. Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) aims to enhance the quality of life for people throughout Missouri with limited access to resources. Extension programs address the needs of small farm owners throughout the state and LUCE has educators in Urban Impact Centers in both Kansas City and St. Louis. Lincoln University is located in Jefferson City, MO, about 30 miles from the MU campus.

Missouri is a state with a strong agriculture base, large urban centers, and abundant natural areas for recreation and enjoyment. Learn more about Columbia, Jefferson City, and Missouri at https://www.visitcolumbiamo.com and https://www.visitjeffersoncity.com/.

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin December 15, 2023 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Apply online at http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/index.php for Job ID 49313.  Complete the application and include 1) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position and career goals, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) the contact information for at least three references, and 4) a one-page extension philosophy in which the candidate´s vision for a successful extension program in urban and structural entomology is described.

Contact: Questions pertaining to the job may be directed to Dr. Debbie Finke, Co-Chair of the Search Committee at University of Missouri (dfinke@missouri.edu), or Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah, Co-Chair of the Search committee at Lincoln University (akotsen-mensahC@lincolnu.edu). Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at 573-882-7976 or muhrs@missouri.edu.

Values Commitment: We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.