Assistant Professor of Practice in Entomology

Insects are the most diverse group of organisms on earth and key indicators of biodiversity and environmental integrity. Although pest insects and their damage are frequently the first point of reference for members of the public, insect identification also presents an opportunity to increase insect appreciation among members of the public. The Department of Entomology is seeking an individual with expertise in insect identification, including diagnostics, and an interest in educating diverse groups of learners about insect biology and life history. The Diagnostician will be an Assistant Professor in the department, and work collaboratively with the Purdue Pest Diagnostic Laboratory (PPDL) to identify insect specimens and samples of damage caused by insects, particularly in urban settings. They will also advise clientele on management and risk mitigation methods, where applicable. The successful candidate will liaise with other departments, Purdue Extension,  the State Entomologist, and other partners, as necessary, to develop extension and outreach programming in response to novel, emerging pest identification and management needs. The individual will also work closely with the Purdue Entomology Research Collection (PERC), when appropriate, to identify or voucher specimens of special interest.

As one of the key point persons for the Department in working with the public, this individual will also take a lead role in recruitment for the department by integrating with existing initiatives (e.g., 4-H Academy, FFA) and County Cooperative Extension within the state of Indiana. This will include developing educational programs and assessing their effectiveness for diverse groups of learners. The successful candidate will also contribute to teaching, by developing and presenting lectures surrounding the principles of insect identification diagnostics to undergraduate learners within our Insect Biology Curriculum at https://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=6377

This is an academic year appointment beginning on or after August 14, 2023.

• As part of the Purdue Pest Diagnostic Laboratory (PPDL) team, promptly and accurately diagnose pest damage and/or unknown insect specimens
• Educate diverse groups of learners in identification, biology, and life history of insect pest and non-pest insects, including in person, virtual and hybrid learning opportunities
• Work with existing 4-H, FFA, and other student-centered organizations to develop and deliver entomology curricula, and leverage these efforts to strengthen departmental recruitment
• Work independently with other departmental faculty and staff, including the Outreach Specialist, to develop and deliver educational programs to a range of audiences
• Seek strategic partnerships at the College and university level to increase visibility and develop new audiences for the Department

PhD in entomology, biology, or related discipline

• Background or experience with insect diagnostics including taxonomy and systematics of insects and assessment of pest damage
• Ability to effectively communicate results to clientele and prepare reports
• Communication skills (prepare and present educational programs to diverse and wide-ranging audiences, including via interviews, social media, and web-based communications)
• Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s License
• A background check is required for employment in this position

Please submit an updated CV, including the contact information for three references, and cover letter to apply.

Cover letters should address the applicant’s experience and qualifications. Also note that Purdue University’s Department of Entomology is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including discovery, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in their cover letter, indicating their experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion. Purdue is an ADVANCE institution – https://www.purdue.edu/advance-purdue/

All materials must be combined into one pdf and submitted electronically via this site . 

Please submit applications by June 16th for full consideration. The search will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

• Search chair: Dr. Christian Krupke: [email protected]
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period

Purdue University, the College of Agriculture, and the Department of Entomology are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry and academic freedom.

Purdue’s College of Agriculture is one of the world’s leading colleges of agricultural, economic, food, life, and natural resource sciences, ranked fourth nationally and eighth globally in the 2022 QS World University Rankings. The College is preeminent in research and is deeply committed to excellence in all aspects of its land-grant mission, including teaching and Extension, and in international activities and perspectives that span these mission areas. The College is organized into five administrative units, each led by an associate dean and director: Academic Programs, Agricultural Research and Graduate Education, Purdue Extension, Multicultural Programs, and International Programs. With an annual budget of ~$234 million, the College comprises 11 academic departments, employs over 300 faculty, almost 800 staff (on campus and Extension staff in counties across the state of Indiana), and provides educational opportunities to 2800 undergraduate students, almost 700 graduate students, and over 100 postdoctoral associates. The College’s strategic plan may be accessed at https://ag.purdue.edu/about/strategic-plan.html

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Exempt