Research Entomologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Strawberry Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo invites applications for a Strawberry Research Entomologistand Entomology Program Leader.This is an executive/management level position.The Strawberry Center's mission is toensurethe sustainability of California's$3.1 billionstrawberry industry through applied research and educationthat addressesindustry needs. The Strawberry Center is closely aligned with the California strawberry industry and receives significant financial and advisory support from the California Strawberry Commission. The successful applicant is expected to develop a strong applied research program addressing applied entomological problems for theCaliforniastrawberry industry. These problems include important management challenges withLygusbug,spidermites, spotted wingdrosophilaand other arthropod pests. Losses to the California strawberry industry from these pests are estimated to be greater than $200 million/year. The successful candidate will conduct high-impact research focused on improving the management of strawberry arthropod pests. Candidates with established records of productive applied research programs and broad agricultural entomology and IPM experience are encouraged to apply.

The appointment will focus primarily on applied research and will alsoassistthe Director of the Strawberry Center with administrative oversight of the Center and its integration in the College of Agriculture, Food & EnvironmentalSciencesand the Plant Sciences department.Avariety ofentomology laboratoryspace isavailable.A research associate position is alsoprovided.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo islocatedon California's Central Coast, with all strawberry production regions within 2.5 hours driving time from campus. The Strawberry Center is housed at Technology Park and the main campus with access to10 acresof campus research fieldsimmediatelyadjacent tooffice and laboratory space. Collaboration with local strawberry growers is encouragedwithSanta Maria offering the closest opportunity (30 miles).

• Conduct applied research on entomological issues facing the California strawberry industry; primary pests includeLygusbug,twospottedspidermites and spotted wing drosophila.

• Research focusshould beonissueswith potential for high impacttothe strawberry industry in the near term.

• Develop strong rapport and work effectively with growers, pest control advisors (PCAs)and other industry collaborators.

• Obtain research grants to support research projects,Master'sand undergraduatestudents.

• Reportresearch results at industry, scientific and otherappropriate meetings.

• Publish research results in journals and mediaappropriate tothe work (e.g., research reports, conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journals, Center's research blog).

• Become a recognized authorityin the area ofstrawberry arthropod management.

• Develop a nationally recognized applied research program withtargetedimpact on local growers.

• Advise undergraduate and graduate students on senior projects andMaster'stheses.

• Assist the Director in the administrative duties of the Strawberry Center (e.g., safety, training, personnel management; represent the Center at various university and industry committees and functions).

• Manage budgets and ensure deadlines are met on all projects.

• Participate as a member of the Strawberry Center Team that includes 12 staff,30-40studentsand many different ongoing projects.

• Attend training andmaintainskillcurrency asappropriate tosafely and effectively complete assignments.

• Obtain a California Pest Control Advisor's license.

• Perform other duties assigned.

• Thispositionclassification has been defined as "Exempt" and is not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

• This position is indefinite in duration, based on satisfactory performance and available funds.

• This "at will" position serves at the pleasure of the Director of the Strawberry Center.

• A background check isrequiredfor all regularbenefitedpositions.

• The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and isrequiredtocomply withthe requirementsset forth inCSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

• The incumbent will directly supervise employeesincluding but not limited to anentomology research associate, graduateand undergraduatestudents, and part-time intermittent employees.

• Supervisory responsibilities require independent judgement and discretion and includebutarenot limited toeffective delegation of assignments, assignment of dailyworktasks,andtrainingemployeesto meetand exceed safety andperformance standards relevant tosubordinatejob requirements.

• Conduct performance evaluations with direct reports using established policies consistent with Center goals andobjectives.

• Conduct recruiting, interviewing, and effectively recommend hiring, discipline, and termination.

• Ph.D. in entomology or M.S. in entomologyplusdemonstratedproficiencyin independent research, grantwritingand 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,academiaand government.

• Demonstrable skills in verbal and written communication.

• Demonstrated ability to obtainextramural funding fromcommodityand government-based granting agencies.

• Ability toinitiate, build, and sustain effective communication and teamwork by fostering a positive, cooperative, and productive work environment. Demonstrated ability toestablishand maintain strong working relationships with individuals from diverse populations and a wide range of cultural backgrounds, both within and outside the university.

• Thoroughknowledge of English grammar,spellingand punctuation.

• Ability to interpret,communicateand 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 andproficiencywith computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistics, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.

• Workingknowledge of-or ability to quickly learn-university infrastructure,policiesand 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 tasksand deadlines.

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone

• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist tooperatea computer keyboard,calculator, and field research equipment

• Seeing to read a variety of materialsand perform field and laboratory research

• Sitting or standing for extendedperiod of time

• Physical agility to lift50 pounds to shoulder height

• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objectsincluding in agricultural fields

• Commuting on an as-needed basis to outside meetings and training locations