Cornell University, Department of Entomology - Geneva
Ecology
Agriculture / speciality crops
Integrated Pest Management
Controlled Environmental Agriculture


*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***
Position Description
Cohort Hire: Revolutionizing Controlled Environment Agriculture
Focus: Controlled Environment Agriculture Insect Ecologist
Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University
Position: Assistant Professor, Tenure-track.
Location: Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY 14456. The academic home for this position is the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on both the Ithaca and Geneva campuses of Cornell University.
The Department of Entomology welcomes applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position for a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) insect ecologist at the Assistant Professor level. CEA (https://cea.cals.cornell.edu/) is becoming an increasingly important contributor to specialty crops production (e.g., fruit, vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-agritech/products-we-research) in New York, nationally, and internationally. We are looking for a highly collaborative individual who will develop integrated pest management solutions for arthropods that attack specialty crops grown in controlled-environment agricultural production systems (e.g., high tunnels, greenhouses, indoor vertical farms, and other structures of protected cultivation). Pests that attack specialty crops grown in CEA often differ from those in field production systems and may require or allow different approaches for their management, especially non-chemical tactics. Leadership in extension, team building and engagement with this burgeoning industry is expected. Translating research results for stakeholders should use traditional and digital communication platforms. We seek a colleague with an outstanding record demonstrating success and promise across these areas, and who will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell AgriTech. As such, candidates are expected to engage in advising students, service and leadership activities within the department, college and university, and relevant professional societies. Our new colleague will join a Cohort Faculty Hire in Revolutionizing Controlled Environment Agriculture.
The CALS Roadmap to 2050 has identified five Transdisciplinary Moonshots - opportunities for the CALS community to collaborate on future-focused, cross-disciplinary scientific breakthroughs and to align research, education, and extension programs for greater impact and stronger connectivity. The Moonshot areas build upon core strengths in CALS, spanning the agricultural, life, environmental and social sciences, with the goal of recruiting 27 faculty into the college over the next three years. The Revolutionizing Controlled Environment Agriculture cohort will advance the CALS Transdisciplinary Moonshot in Redesigning 21st Century Agri-Food Systems.
Research in the Revolutionizing CEA cohort will be guided by the goal to develop productive and sustainable CEA systems that are energy and resource efficient, resistant to biotic and abiotic stressors, and responsive to changing demographics and food markets. The ideal candidate will have expertise in insect ecology, plant-insect-environment interactions, insect sampling and pest management, including biological control. In addition to this advertised hire, the Revolutionizing CEA cohort includes a plant breeder, an agricultural engineer, an agricultural economist, and a plant pathologist. The successful candidate will enhance the creation and adoption of techniques for advancing pest management solutions for the controlled-environment specialty crops industry within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Responsibilities:
This position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% extension.
Research (60%) – The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program that will study the biology and ecology of arthropod pests and their natural enemies with the goal of using this information to improve arthropod pest management in CEA specialty crops.
Extension (40%) – The successful candidate will provide leadership in developing and delivering tools to help specialty crop producers make more effective, economical, and sustainable pest management decisions in CEA, a unique and rapidly growing production sector. Forming collaborations with CEA industry partners will be an important aspect of the position.
Location: The successful candidate will be physically located at Cornell University’s AgriTech campus. Cornell AgriTech, located in Geneva, NY, is a preeminent center for agriculture & food research that delivers practical solutions to help farmers & businesses thrive.
Department Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and will be based in the Department of Entomology in Geneva, NY within Cornell AgriTech at the NY State Agricultural Experiment Station. A mentoring program for new faculty provides guidance and assistance.
Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in entomology, ecology, or related biological sciences with a working understanding of insect biology, ecology and pest management, and experience in applying this expertise to managed biological systems. A commitment to applied agricultural research and to the development of multidisciplinary team-based research and extension programs is essential.
Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is July 1, 2024 or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position, 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 4) an extension statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 5) a statement of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion outlining how, through research, extension, mentoring, and/or service, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s mission of “any person … any study,” 6) copies of three relevant publications, and 7) names and contact information for three references. Please limit all statements to 2-3 pages. Materials should be submitted online to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25893. Applications received by January 2, 2024 will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Inquiries may be directed to:
Dr. Brian Nault, Search Committee Chair
Email: ban6@cornell.edu
Office: (315) 787-2354
CALS hiring range for position: Assistant Professor: $79,400 - $135,000
The
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
(CALS) at Cornell
University is engaged
in pioneering pursuit
of inclusive, purpose-driven
science. As Cornell University’s second largest college, with discovery for
impact at its core, we work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our
time through equitable, world-renowned research, education and outreach. The
questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns:
natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and
social, physical and economic well-being. CALS is fundamentally invested
in improving the lives of people, their environments, and their communities
both in New York state and around the
world.
Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.
The new faculty member will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community on the main campus in Ithaca, New York. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
Cornell's regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
The Cornell community embraces diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. We value AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and seek candidates who will create a climate that attracts and retains persons of all races, ethnicities, and genders. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.
Employment Assistance:
For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff from all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience.
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Academic Transcripts (unofficial)
- Diversity Statement
- Extension Statement
- Three publications
- Three references (actual letters are required for some applicants, while others just need the contact info
)
Further Info:
Department of Entomology
15 Castle Creek Drive
Geneva, NY 14456