Extension Assistant Professor - Entomology

Title: Extension Assistant Professor - Entomology

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Cranberry Station Ext

Work Location: E. Wareham

Schedule:Full Time

Work Arrangement:Onsite

Job Summary

The UMass Cranberry Station is seeking applicants to fill a full-time, non-tenure-track, 12-month appointment as Extension Assistant Professor in Cranberry Entomology located in East Wareham, Massachusetts.

Entomology has long been a core component of the research and Extension missions of the UMass Cranberry Station (UMCS), providing science-based solutions to pest management challenges facing the Massachusetts cranberry industry. The successful candidate will build on this strong legacy by establishing an innovative, independent, and externally funded program addressing current and emerging challenges in cranberry insect pest management.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to integrate fundamental and applied research with impactful Extension programming in partnership with cranberry growers, industry partners, the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association (CCCGA), USDA-ARS researchers, and UMass Amherst colleagues and other institutions. The successful candidate will develop and lead an integrated cranberry insect pest management program, with an anticipated effort distribution of approximately 60% research and 40% Extension. The program will translate cutting-edge science into practical, economically viable management strategies while addressing emerging threats to the sustainability and resilience of the cranberry industry.

Research priorities include insecticide resistance and stewardship, loss of pesticide registrations, emerging and evolving pest complexes, climate-driven shifts in pest abundance and phenology, conservation of beneficial arthropods and pollinators, and development and adoption of sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The successful candidate will establish a collaborative research program that advances the science of cranberry pest management while generating solutions readily translated into grower practice.

Working closely with the Extension Educator in Entomology, the candidate will engage growers and industry partners through field-based research, demonstrations, educational programs, and development of science-based decision-support tools and IPM recommendations. This position provides a unique opportunity for a candidate passionate about connecting discovery with application and contributing to agricultural sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the economic viability of the Massachusetts cranberry industry. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative research and Extension community at the Cranberry Station, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration spanning entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, ecology, environmental science, and agricultural sustainability.

Essential Functions

Build an applied research program whose outputs translate directly into Extension tools and science-based recommendations for the cranberry industry. Research and Extension should be closely integrated, with research findings translated into practical, grower-focused information and recommendations in collaboration with the Extension Educator and other UMCS personnel.

Develop and maintain a competitive, externally funded research program addressing the biology, ecology, and management of established, emerging, and invasive cranberry insect pests.

Evaluate synthetic and reduced-risk insecticides and biopesticides for resistance management and assess their compatibility with biological, behavioral, cultural, and other IPM tactics.

Investigate non-chemical management tactics (pheromone-based mating disruption, push-pull strategies, attract-and-kill systems, biological control including entomopathogenic nematodes and conservation biological control, and cultural practices) that may contribute to reduced use of insecticides and translate findings into grower-ready recommendations.

Collaborate with the UMCS faculty in developing and validating economic thresholds and degree-day phenology models, updating tools to reflect climate-driven shifts in pest biology and seasonal timing.

Assess the susceptibility of new high-yielding cranberry cultivars to insect pests and explore host-plant resistance mechanisms in collaboration with plant breeders.

Develop and update Extension publications, management guides, and digital resources, including revision and expansion of Cranberry Insects of the Northeast, and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, scientific meetings, grower conferences, and regional networks.

Provide training and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, research assistants, Extension educators, and cranberry growers in entomology, research methods, and integrated pest management, including the interpretation and application of research findings to practical pest management decisions.

Collaborate with Extension Educators on training activities, including pesticide workshops, field days, and grower education events, providing the scientific expertise that underpins these programs.

Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel to cranberry grower sites and attend meetings at the UMass Amherst campus as required.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in entomology, crop protection, or a closely related discipline.

Experience in applied agricultural entomology, integrated pest management, or crop protection research.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Post-doctoral research experience in applied entomology or IPM.

Experience with small fruit crops, such as Vaccinium spp., or other specialty crops.

Familiarity with cranberry insect pests, pheromone traps, insecticide efficacy trials, or biological control.

Knowledge of chemical ecology and insect behavior applied to pest management.

Record of peer-reviewed publications.

Experience in Extension programming for agricultural audiences.

Demonstrated potential to secure and manage competitive external funding.

Ability to collaborate with faculty, Extension specialists, industry, non-profits and/or government.

Additional Details

This position is located in East Wareham, Massachusetts.
Information for prospective faculty: https://www.umass.edu/prospective-faculty/.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences' Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst's For the Common Good: 2024-2034 Strategic Plan.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

Monday - Friday, 40 hours a week.

Salary Information

The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $91,253 and $112,700 for this position.

Please note:

The low end of this range is based on the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA. The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of research interest, (4) statement of Extension philosophy, and (5) contact information for three professional references.

Review of applicants will begin January 4, 2027, and will continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.
Questions about this position may be directed to, Luis Marquez, Director, UMass Cranberry Station, at luismarquez@umass.edu.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.