What are the responsibilities and job description for the Agronomic Entomologist position at Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement?
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 27009 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Ryan Thum
ryan.thum@montana.edu
406-994-4039
Classification Title Working Title Agronomic Entomologist Brief Position Overview
Montana State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Agronomic Entomology in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology. The successful candidate will develop an innovative, externally funded research program addressing fundamental and applied questions in the biology, ecology, and management of insects in agricultural systems. The position offers opportunities to collaborate across a diverse community of agricultural and biological scientists and to engage with Montana’s agricultural stakeholders. Teaching will contribute to our growing entomology programs, including courses such as Integrated Pest Management and Insect Physiology.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Assistant Professor Position Number 4A3187 Department Plant Sciences Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Academic Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology seeks a talented and collaborative colleague who will develop an innovative research program in agronomic entomology. The successful candidate will contribute to and collaborate across departmental and college strengths in cropping systems, plant health, integrated pest management, agroecology, plant-insect interactions, entomology, weed science, plant breeding and genetics, precision agriculture, and sustainable agricultural systems. Montana provides exceptional opportunities to address applied and fundamental questions related to the ecology and management of insect pests in dryland and irrigated cropping systems, including cereal, pulse, oilseed, forage, and specialty crops. We welcome candidates using diverse field, laboratory, molecular, physiological, and/or systems-based approaches to address important insect-management challenges in agricultural systems.
This is a nine-month (academic year), tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level with research (60%), teaching (30%), and service (10%) responsibilities funded by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station and the College of Agriculture.
Duties and Responsibilities
Research responsibilities include developing a nationally recognized, externally funded program in agronomic entomology that addresses applied and fundamental questions relevant to Montana and the broader region. Research should address the biology, ecology, and management of economically important insect pests in agricultural systems and may incorporate beneficial insects and their roles in agroecosystems. Montana provides exceptional opportunities to address arthropod challenges in dryland and irrigated cropping systems, including wheat stem sawfly and other insect pests affecting cereal, pulse, oilseed, forage, specialty crop, and horticultural production systems. Candidates may employ diverse approaches, including integrated pest management, plant-insect interactions, insect physiology, landscape ecology, molecular approaches, or related disciplines. The successful candidate will establish a Montana Agricultural Experiment Station Hatch Project, secure extramural funding, publish research in appropriate scholarly outlets, and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers. This position may have opportunities for travel to off-campus sites.
Teaching responsibilities include the upper-division undergraduate course Integrated Pest Management (AGSC 401) and the graduate course Insect Physiology (ENTO 520), along with other courses appropriate to the candidate’s expertise and programmatic needs. The successful candidate will contribute to the Entomology Minor and MS in Entomology programs and participate in undergraduate and graduate student advising and mentoring.
Service responsibilities include active participation in departmental, college, and university service as appropriate to career stage and programmatic needs; engagement with agricultural stakeholders and other communities consistent with the missions of a Land-Grant University and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station; and participation in relevant professional organizations.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program The Department The College
Posting Detail Information
Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be
Screening of applications will begin on October 1, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not available for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
FLSA Details
FLSA Determination
FLSA Status Exempt
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 27009 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Ryan Thum
ryan.thum@montana.edu
406-994-4039
Classification Title Working Title Agronomic Entomologist Brief Position Overview
Montana State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Agronomic Entomology in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology. The successful candidate will develop an innovative, externally funded research program addressing fundamental and applied questions in the biology, ecology, and management of insects in agricultural systems. The position offers opportunities to collaborate across a diverse community of agricultural and biological scientists and to engage with Montana’s agricultural stakeholders. Teaching will contribute to our growing entomology programs, including courses such as Integrated Pest Management and Insect Physiology.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Assistant Professor Position Number 4A3187 Department Plant Sciences Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Academic Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology seeks a talented and collaborative colleague who will develop an innovative research program in agronomic entomology. The successful candidate will contribute to and collaborate across departmental and college strengths in cropping systems, plant health, integrated pest management, agroecology, plant-insect interactions, entomology, weed science, plant breeding and genetics, precision agriculture, and sustainable agricultural systems. Montana provides exceptional opportunities to address applied and fundamental questions related to the ecology and management of insect pests in dryland and irrigated cropping systems, including cereal, pulse, oilseed, forage, and specialty crops. We welcome candidates using diverse field, laboratory, molecular, physiological, and/or systems-based approaches to address important insect-management challenges in agricultural systems.
This is a nine-month (academic year), tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level with research (60%), teaching (30%), and service (10%) responsibilities funded by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station and the College of Agriculture.
Duties and Responsibilities
Research responsibilities include developing a nationally recognized, externally funded program in agronomic entomology that addresses applied and fundamental questions relevant to Montana and the broader region. Research should address the biology, ecology, and management of economically important insect pests in agricultural systems and may incorporate beneficial insects and their roles in agroecosystems. Montana provides exceptional opportunities to address arthropod challenges in dryland and irrigated cropping systems, including wheat stem sawfly and other insect pests affecting cereal, pulse, oilseed, forage, specialty crop, and horticultural production systems. Candidates may employ diverse approaches, including integrated pest management, plant-insect interactions, insect physiology, landscape ecology, molecular approaches, or related disciplines. The successful candidate will establish a Montana Agricultural Experiment Station Hatch Project, secure extramural funding, publish research in appropriate scholarly outlets, and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers. This position may have opportunities for travel to off-campus sites.
Teaching responsibilities include the upper-division undergraduate course Integrated Pest Management (AGSC 401) and the graduate course Insect Physiology (ENTO 520), along with other courses appropriate to the candidate’s expertise and programmatic needs. The successful candidate will contribute to the Entomology Minor and MS in Entomology programs and participate in undergraduate and graduate student advising and mentoring.
Service responsibilities include active participation in departmental, college, and university service as appropriate to career stage and programmatic needs; engagement with agricultural stakeholders and other communities consistent with the missions of a Land-Grant University and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station; and participation in relevant professional organizations.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Ph.D. in entomology or an appropriate related field at time of appointment.
- Academic or professional training in agronomic entomology in agricultural systems.
- Demonstrated potential for excellence in research in agronomic entomology.
- Demonstrated experience or potential for effective interdisciplinary collaboration addressing agricultural issues.
- Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring.
- Demonstrated ability or strong potential to secure extramural funding.
- Evidence of excellence in research relevant to agronomic entomology.
- Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate and/or graduate instruction and mentoring.
- Demonstrated ability or strong potential to engage effectively with agricultural producers, industry, agencies, and/or other stakeholders to address management challenges.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across academic disciplines and with internal and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability or potential to effectively mentor students from many backgrounds.
- Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Possess effective interpersonal skills and the ability to develop positive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, agricultural producers, and other external stakeholders.
- Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of interdisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with students and colleagues from many backgrounds.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program The Department The College
Posting Detail Information
Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be
Screening of applications will begin on October 1, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not available for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
FLSA Details
FLSA Determination
FLSA Status Exempt
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Statement
- List of Three (3) Professional References
- Teaching Statement
- Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).