Assistant Professor – Row Crop Entomologist at the University of Georgia, USA
The University of Georgia (UGA) is inviting applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor – Row Crop Entomologist position in the Department of Entomology at the UGA-Tifton Campus in Tifton, Georgia. The appointment is designed for an entomologist or related life scientist with expertise in integrated pest management (IPM), cotton production, agroecology, and sustainable row-crop systems.
This is a nine-month academic appointment with a workload of 65% research, 30% Extension, and 5% service. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized research and Extension program, compete for external funding, publish high-impact research, mentor students, and work closely with cotton producers, Extension professionals, industry partners, and multidisciplinary research teams.
The position is particularly suited to researchers interested in solving practical pest-management challenges affecting cotton and other row crops. Expertise may include resistance management, invasive species, applied toxicology, molecular and transgenic approaches, population genetics, landscape ecology, precision agriculture, and remote sensing.
Position Overview
The Department of Entomology at UGA is seeking an Assistant Professor who can strengthen its research and Extension programs in row crop integrated pest management, with an emphasis on cotton. The successful applicant will be expected to build an externally funded research program that addresses important challenges facing the cotton industry and sustainable agricultural production.
The position also has a significant Extension component. The successful candidate will communicate research findings to row-crop producers, Extension agents, and other agricultural stakeholders through traditional outreach as well as digital communication platforms. The role therefore combines scientific research with practical agricultural problem-solving and knowledge transfer.
UGA expects the new faculty member to collaborate with existing programs in the Department of Entomology, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and the UGA Cotton Team. Multistate and international collaborations are encouraged, providing opportunities for research that extends beyond Georgia and addresses broader challenges in agricultural pest management.
Research and Extension Responsibilities
The successful candidate will establish a nationally recognized research and Extension program supported by competitive external funding. Research should contribute to improved pest management and sustainable production of row crops, particularly cotton.
Potential areas of research include agroecology and IPM theory and practice, invasive species management, insecticide and resistance management, applied toxicology, transgenic and molecular approaches, population genetics, landscape ecology, and precision agriculture. Candidates working with remote sensing or other data-driven agricultural technologies may also bring valuable expertise to the program.
In addition to conducting research and publishing scholarly work, the faculty member will mentor graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to the development of collaborative research initiatives. The university is looking for someone who can work across disciplines and translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions for agricultural producers.
The Extension component will involve regular engagement with row-crop producers, Extension agents, and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will be expected to communicate research results effectively through field-based outreach, educational programming, traditional media, and digital communication.
UGA Department of Entomology
The University of Georgia’s Department of Entomology has an internationally recognized program spanning research, teaching, and Extension. Its faculty work on both fundamental and applied questions involving insects and other arthropods across agricultural, urban, medical, veterinary, aquatic, and other ecosystems.
The department includes 38 faculty members, 65 graduate students, 25 undergraduate entomology majors, and approximately 80 undergraduate applied biotechnology majors. Its multi-campus structure creates opportunities for collaboration across Athens, Tifton, and Griffin, as well as with colleagues throughout UGA and at other institutions.
The department also benefits from access to multidisciplinary facilities and research farms. Collaboration with UGA Commodity Teams and agricultural research programs is encouraged, creating a strong environment for researchers whose work combines scientific discovery with applied agricultural outcomes.
UGA-Tifton Research Environment
The position is based at the UGA-Tifton Campus in Tifton, Georgia, a major agricultural research location within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
UGA-Tifton is home to approximately 90 scientists and more than 400 support staff across nine departments. Facilities available to researchers include offices, laboratories, greenhouses, insect-rearing space, multiple research farms, and agricultural machinery.
This environment is particularly relevant for a Row Crop Entomologist because research can be connected directly with field-scale agricultural production. The location also supports collaboration with other scientists working on crop production, plant health, agricultural technology, and related disciplines.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD in Entomology or a related life sciences discipline. A strong record of scholarly achievement and excellent communication skills are expected. One to two years of postdoctoral experience is preferred.
Candidates should have expertise in agroecology and integrated pest management theory and practice. Relevant areas may include invasive species management, resistance management, applied toxicology, transgenic or molecular approaches, population genetics, landscape ecology, precision agriculture, and remote sensing.
The successful candidate should demonstrate the potential to establish an independent research program, secure competitive external funding, publish high-quality research, mentor students, and communicate effectively with agricultural stakeholders.
Teaching, Service, and Professional Engagement
Although the position is weighted primarily toward research and Extension, the successful candidate will also contribute to departmental and university service. Professional activities, scientific organizations, stakeholder engagement, and outreach are expected components of the appointment.
The position’s workload is divided as follows:
- 65% Research
- 30% Extension
- 5% Service
The successful candidate will also mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to the broader academic mission of the Department of Entomology and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Salary, Benefits, and Employment Details
The position is a benefits-eligible, nine-month academic appointment at the Assistant Professor level. The appointment is tenure track. The advertised salary was not specified in the supplied posting. The position is located in the Tifton Area of Georgia. Employment is subject to applicable University of Georgia background-investigation requirements. The university may verify credentials, employment history, references, and other information relevant to the position. Additional checks may apply where required by the responsibilities of the appointment.
This opportunity combines three important components of modern agricultural science: research, Extension, and practical crop production. Rather than focusing exclusively on laboratory research, the position gives the successful candidate an opportunity to develop solutions that can move from research programs into real-world agricultural systems.
The emphasis on cotton and row-crop IPM makes the role particularly relevant to entomologists working on sustainable pest management, insect resistance, invasive species, precision agriculture, and producer-focused agricultural research. Access to research farms and the UGA-Tifton scientific community also provides a strong foundation for field-based studies.
Researchers interested in developing collaborations with commodity teams, Extension professionals, other university departments, and multistate research programs may find this position especially attractive.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit a cover letter summarizing their background and qualifications, a detailed curriculum vitae of no more than 25 pages, a one-page statement describing research experience and interests, and an Extension statement outlining experience, interests, and goals. Applicants must also provide the names and contact information of three professional references. The required application documents are:
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
- Research portfolio or research philosophy
- Public service/Extension philosophy
- List of references with contact information
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Questions about the search can be directed to Phillip Roberts, Search Committee Chair, at proberts@uga.edu.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Assistant Professor – Row Crop Entomologist |
| University | University of Georgia |
| Department | CAES-Entomology |
| Campus | UGA-Tifton |
| Location | Tifton, Georgia, USA |
| Faculty Rank | Assistant Professor |
| Tenure Status | Tenure Track |
| Contract | Academic, 9 months |
| Workload | 65% Research, 30% Extension, 5% Service |
| Primary Focus | Row Crop Integrated Pest Management |
| Crop Emphasis | Cotton |
| Minimum Qualification | PhD in Entomology or related life sciences discipline |
| Preferred Experience | 1–2 years of postdoctoral experience |
| Benefits | Benefits Eligible |
| Search Status in Supplied Posting | Open until filled |
| Posting Number | F2567P |
| Required Documents | Cover letter, CV, research statement, Extension statement, three references |
| Search Committee Chair | Phillip Roberts |
| Contact Email | proberts@uga.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the University of Georgia Row Crop Entomologist position?
It is a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in row crop integrated pest management, with particular emphasis on cotton. The appointment combines research, Extension, student mentoring, and university service.
Where is the position located?
The position is based at the University of Georgia-Tifton Campus in Tifton, Georgia.
What is the research focus?
The primary focus is integrated pest management for row crops, especially cotton. Potential research areas include resistance management, invasive species, applied toxicology, molecular approaches, population genetics, landscape ecology, precision agriculture, and remote sensing.
What percentage of the appointment is devoted to research?
The position is structured as 65% research, 30% Extension, and 5% service.
Is the position tenure-track?
Yes. The position is listed as a tenure-track Assistant Professor appointment.
What degree is required?
Applicants must have a PhD in Entomology or a related life sciences discipline.
Is postdoctoral experience required?
Postdoctoral experience is not listed as a minimum qualification, but one to two years of postdoctoral experience is preferred.
What application documents are required?
Applicants should provide a cover letter, detailed CV, one-page research statement, Extension statement, and contact information for three professional references.
Who should applicants contact with questions?
Inquiries can be directed to Phillip Roberts, Search Committee Chair, at proberts@uga.edu.
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