Work Location: The position will be based at the Tom H. Scott Research and Extension Center, Winnsboro, LA. Opportunities for research and extension activities exist at three research stations in the Northeast Region and in the Department of Entomology on the LSU A&M campus in Baton Rouge, LA. The Northeast Region’s field stations include over 1,000 acres of crops with projects focusing on agronomic production and integrated pest management of arthropods, plant pathogens and weeds. Research projects will be located at regional research stations with opportunities to expand research and extension activities to other regions of Louisiana. Laboratory and office space will be available in the Northeast Region and in the Department of Entomology.

Position Description: This is a 12-month, tenure-track position with a 60% research and 40% extension appointment. The position will have an 80% appointment in the Northeast Region and a 20% appointment in the Department of Entomology. The scientist is responsible for working with advisory committees to identify clientele needs, to develop research and extension programs that respond to those needs, and to assess program impact. The successful candidate will be expected to interact with commodity and agricultural industry partners to identify, develop and implement critical research projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for the development and implementation of pest management programs for arthropod pests of field crops in northeast Louisiana, including corn, cotton, soybean, and grain sorghum. The extension component will include statewide contact responsibilities for one or more of these primary commodities. Applicants with diverse research interests and backgrounds will be considered. Expected research priorities include addressing current and emerging pest issues and refining existing plant protection strategies. The position will disseminate LSU AgCenter recommendations and provide current content to commodity web pages. Technology transfer and outreach to stakeholders must be accomplished with web content, social media, agricultural trade magazines and traditional extension methods (newsletters, blogs, oral delivery, and formal extension publications). Formal participation in multi-disciplinary, regional, and national research initiatives will be expected. Results of research will be published in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific/technical publications. The successful candidate will be expected to support the activities of the position by soliciting extramural funding from federal and state agencies, commodity (state and national) research boards, and agrochemical companies and other industry sources.

The candidate will be expected to participate in graduate education in the Department of Entomology and serve as a major advisor or committee member for graduate students in the department. The candidate will participate in departmental committees and in periodic departmental meetings.

The position currently has two full-time research associate positions funded through grants, federal, and other funding sources to support the project efforts, in addition to research laboratory facilities, equipment, and supplies. The successful candidate will be expected to manage personnel and equipment resources. Farm crew activities are directed by the Research Station Coordinators and the successful candidate will be expected to coordinate activities with these individuals.

Qualification Requirements: Ph.D. in entomology, applied biology/ecology, or other closely related agricultural field of study is required. Training in field crops research and agronomic production practices is critical to the success of the position. Applicants should possess effective oral, written, and electronic communication skills necessary for presentations to a variety of audiences. Evidence of successful grantsmanship, research activity, and stakeholder interaction will be important considerations. The ability to multi-task and work in a team environment with research and extension faculty representing other disciplines is critical. A working knowledge of U.S. field crop arthropod biology and ecology is necessary. Previous experience with IPM-oriented research, surveys of pesticide-resistant insect populations, evaluation of transgenic crops, and working with graduate students is preferred.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

Application Deadline: July 31 2023 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching a single PDF file containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, three letters of reference and a statement describing how diversity would figure into your teaching, research, or extension activities. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:

Dr. Melissa Cater
212-B Macon Ridge Road
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Winnsboro, LA 71295
Tel.: (318) 435-2903; Fax: (318) 435-2902
Email: mcater@agcenter.lsu.edu
Web site: AgCenter website

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.