Research Entomologist, Strawberry Center
$105,333–$150,000 year
On-siteMain, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Job Summary
Conduct applied research on strawberry arthropod pests including Lygus bug, twospotted spider mites, and spotted wing drosophila, focusing on high-impact management solutions for the California strawberry industry. Obtain research grants, supervise undergraduate and graduate students, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals and industry media. Develop a nationally recognized applied research program while advising students on theses and senior projects. Assist the Director with administrative oversight, including safety training, personnel management, and budget management. Manage project deadlines and represent the Center at university and industry committees. Obtain a California Pest Control Advisor's license and work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays. This role supports the sustainability of California's $3.1 billion strawberry industry through applied entomology and education.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in entomology or M.S. in entomology plus demonstrated proficiency in independent research, grant writing and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience in extending research results to industry members using a variety of print and electronic media
- Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people in the Strawberry Center, California Strawberry Commission, strawberry industry, allied industries, academia and government
- Demonstrable skills in verbal and written communication
- Demonstrated ability to obtain extramural funding from commodity and government-based granting agencies
- Ability to initiate, build, and sustain effective communication and teamwork by fostering a positive, cooperative, and productive work environment
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with individuals from diverse populations and a wide range of cultural backgrounds, both within and outside the university
- Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation
- Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines
- Excellent computer skills and proficiency with computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistics, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email
- Working knowledge of—or ability to quickly learn—university infrastructure, policies and procedures
- Maintain regular and reliable working hours
- Possession of a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
- Ability to obtain a California Driver's License within 3 months of hiring
- Able to work occasional evenings, weekends and holidays and adjust working hours to meet special tasks and deadlines
- Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone
- Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, and field research equipment
- Seeing to read a variety of materials and perform field and laboratory research
- Sitting or standing for extended period of time
- Physical agility to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height
- Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects including in agricultural fields
- Commuting on an as-needed basis to outside meetings and training locations
- Obtain a California Pest Control Advisor's license
Desired Qualifications
- Candidates with established records of productive applied research programs and broad agricultural entomology and IPM experience are encouraged to apply
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