Assistant Professor - Field Crops Entomology
Position Overview
Assistant Professor - Field Crops Entomology Field Crops Entomologist, Tenure-track Department of Entomology, Cornell University Location: Ithaca, NY, USA. The academic home for this position is the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Ithaca campus of Cornell University. The Department of Entomology at Cornell University is seeking applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position in the area of Field Crops Entomology. The successful candidate will develop an internationally recognized research and extension program focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of grain and forage crops, including corn (>1 million acres in New York State), alfalfa hay (500,000 acres), soybeans (350,000 acres), wheat (150,000 acres), other small grains, and hemp. We seek a highly collaborative scientist who will build trust and communicate effectively with field crop farmers and other stakeholders and will interact extensively with colleagues at Cornell to achieve its Land Grant mission. In this position, research will focus on novel practices that use biological, chemical, physical, and/or cultural control methods to manage important insect pests affecting field crop growers. Research should combine insights from field trials with other approaches, potentially ranging from lab-based analyses to modeling to landscape-scale observational studies, to devise pest management strategies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Extension will focus on developing an impactful program that addresses the needs of industry stakeholders and promotes the adoption of sustainable practices that will reduce pest risks and improve the profitability and long-term sustainability of field crops in New York State. The candidate is expected to work closely with industry and state partners (i.e. NY Corn and Soybean Grower Association, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets) to understand and prioritize stakeholder needs. Outstanding research scholarship is expected, as is excellence in and commitment to extension, translation of knowledge, and advising and inclusive mentoring of students. We seek colleagues with a record demonstrating success and promise across these areas, and who will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell University. As such, candidates are expected to engage in service and leadership activities within the department, the college, the university, and relevant professional societies. Department Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in the Department of Entomology in Ithaca, NY. In compliance with New York's Pay Transparency Law, the annual base salary range for this assistant professor position is $90,000 - $135,000. This pay range represents base pay (for 9 months). Cornell University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities: This position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% extension. Research (60%) – Outstanding research scholarship is expected, as the successful candidate will lead an internationally recognized research program that develops and tests IPM approaches rigorously and systematically for insect pests of field crops. The successful candidate is expected to maintain an externally funded research program. Excellence in and commitment to the development of research and training programs is essential. Candidates are expected to advise students and provide service within the department, college and university, and relevant professional societies. Extension (40%) – A key component of this position is building trust and communicating effectively with field crops farmers and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will interact with stakeholders and translate research results using traditional and novel communication methods, including digital media. The successful candidate will also interact extensively with colleagues in the Cornell IPM program, AgriTech campus, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and faculty across CALS, such as the Animal Science and School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) programs, and will contribute to the annually updated Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management. Documenting the impact that the successful candidate’s extension program will have on New York’s field crops industry will be required.
Qualifications
Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Entomology, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field, with an understanding of field crop systems and experience working with diverse stakeholders are required. Demonstrated capability in developing research and extension programs is preferred.
Preferred Level of Education
Ph.D. in Entomology, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field, with an understanding of field crop systems
Compensation/Salary
the annual base salary range for this assistant professor position is $90,000 - $135,000
How to Apply
Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is July 1, 2026 or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position, 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 4) an extension statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 5) copies of three relevant publications, and 6) names and contact information for three references. Materials should be submitted online to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30498. Applications received by November 16, 2025 will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY. Relocation assistance may be provided. Finalists for this position will be asked to sign an affidavit that they have not been found to have violated employer policies at their previous institutions. Inquiries may be directed to: Professor Katja Poveda, Search Chair Department of Entomology email: kap235@cornell.edu
Application deadline: October 16, 2025
Equal Employment Opportunity
Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area. The new faculty member will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community on the main campus in Ithaca, New York. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. With a founding principle of “…any person…any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.