Assistant Professor in Insect Genomics
Position: Assistant Professor of Entomology, Insect Genomics, twelve-month, tenure-eligible appointment in the regular title series with an anticipated distribution of effort of research (70%), instruction (25%) and service (5%).
Description: The Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky is seeking a genome biologist who uses computational and/or experimental approaches to investigate the structure and function of insect genomes. Specializations can include any area of functional genomics, such as application to disease vectors, insect pathology and immunology, microbial genomics, insect symbioses, and ecological interactions. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong bioinformatics experience who use systems-wide approaches to address their questions. The Department of Entomology has strengths in behavior and neurobiology, integrated pest management, ecology and evolution, and medical entomology. The successful candidate will complement these strengths and join a vibrant, collaborative research, teaching, and service environment. The successful applicant will develop an internationally recognized and extramurally funded research program that incorporates MS and Ph.D. students and undergraduate researchers. The anticipated teaching load will be two courses per year in the interdisciplinary Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology (AMBT) program and advising AMBT students. Distribution of effort is considered each year in the context of the individual faculty member and the department/college. Relevant courses could include molecular genetics, special topics seminars and/or a bioinformatics course for graduate students and upper-level undergraduates. Our new colleague is expected to contribute to institutional service and the research, teaching, and extension missions of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The Department of Entomology and the University of Kentucky are committed to diversity and inclusion, and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Qualifications: The appointed applicant will have a Ph.D. in Entomology, Biology, or a related field with experience in insect genomics research, computational methods, securing extramural funding, college level teaching, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills.
Salary and Benefits: Salary commensurate with background and experience; an overview of benefits can be found at http://www.uky.edu/hr/benefits
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) is fulfilling the land-grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. We serve the people of the Commonwealth and across the world through education, outreach, service, and research by finding solutions to improve lives today and create a sustainable future. We integrate teaching, research, and extension in our work. We recruit, retain, and graduate students who are competent, responsible, and workforce ready. For more than 130 years, CAFE has provided research results to the community. From traditional labs and research farms to high tech diagnostic and research centers, we offer science-based, practical solutions that affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians and people around the world. Our Cooperative Extension programs are engaged in Kentucky’s 120 counties, identifying and addressing needs not only in agriculture and natural resources, but also 4-H and youth development, family and consumer sciences, as well as community & economic development. We create a welcoming and inclusive environment that allows our faculty, staff, and students to reach their highest potential. We recognize people with diverse backgrounds and experiences are essential to decision making, problem solving, and innovation each and every day.
The University of Kentucky is a university with approximately 23,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. UK is Kentucky’s flagship university and a land grant institution. We have a university commitment to improve the lives of Kentuckians and beyond and that is why environmental stewardship and sustainability are core parts of our institution’s legacy. We are recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a Gold level Bicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists, and are recognized as a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Silver Rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The university is geographically near downtown Lexington, which offers the vibrancy of an urban location while being in close proximity to working landscapes and recognized wilderness areas. Lexington is a thriving community of 300,000+ with a strong commitment to quality of life, education, and the arts. Lexington is in the Bluegrass Region, an internationally acclaimed cultural landscape and agricultural region.
The University of Kentucky and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment of mutual respect where all members of our community are able to fully engage, belong, and succeed. We support and welcome applicants of all identities such as but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, perspectives, beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, religious belief, age, and, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity university. We encourage applications from women, minorities, and all interested and qualified people. The EEO Coordinator is Tim West, S-105 Agricultural Science North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091.
Application Procedure: Application must be submitted electronically via the University of Kentucky jobs site: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/360261. Applicants should submit 1) a CV, 2) cover letter describing background and interest in this position, 3) a research statement (2-3 pages), 4) a teaching statement (2-3 pages), 5) a statement of diversity indicating how your previous experiences have prepared you to contribute to an inclusive institutional culture (1 page), and 6) two select reprints. Please also include the names and email addresses of four individuals who may be contacted for letters of reference.
Application Deadline: December 6, 2021, and the position will remain open until filled.
Start Date: July 1, 2022, or as mutually agreed upon
Contact: Drs. Nick Teets (n.teets@uky.edu) or Xuguo “Joe” Zhou (xuguozhou@uky.edu), co-chairs of the search committee.
