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Assistant Professor: Molecular Insect-Plant Interactions |  |
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Assistant Professor of Molecular Insect-Plant Interactions Dept. of Entomology The Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center The Ohio State University LOCATION: The Ohio State University/Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center (OARDC), Wooster, Ohio. QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. degree in entomology, plant biology, or related field with emphasis on the molecular investigations of arthropod interactions with plants, microbes, or nematodes. Must document experience in conducting research and demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills, ability to attract extramural funding, and desire to work in a team environment. Teaching and postdoctoral experience are desirable. POSITION DESCRIPTION: Assistant Professor, tenure-track appointment addressing molecular aspects of insects, mites, and their plant hosts and natural enemies. The characterization, function, interaction and regulation of genes are contributing to rapid progress in understanding the mechanistic basis of insect physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution in managed and natural systems. Application of structural and functional genomics, proteomics and metabolomics to insect/plant interactions holds great significance for breakthroughs in the management of insect pests of agronomic and horticultural significance. This position is seen as key to our ongoing efforts to make fundamental discoveries that reduce insect stress on plants, as well as complementing the OARDC mission to enhance human well-being through research on food and agriculture. Research The position will focus primarily on hypothesis-driven research that addresses the molecular basis of interactions between insects and plants, including interactions that extend to a third trophic level, such as with symbionts, plant and insect pathogens, entomopathogenic nematodes, parasitoids and predators. This position will build upon the substantial investment made by OARDC in building molecular biology expertise and infrastructure. Potential areas of molecular research include: regulation of physiological and behavioral responses of arthropods to plants plant molecular signaling pathways modulating defense responses insect vectoring of plant pathogens mediation of tritrophic interactions of plants, insects, and their natural enemies mechanisms of insect defense against entomopathogenic nematodes Teaching The person filling this position will develop and teach or lead a team of faculty in a course in molecular methods, teach graduate seminars, and advise graduate students. COLLABORATION: The person occupying this position will have substantial opportunity to collaborate not only within Entomology, but also with strong programs in molecular biology that currently exist both on the Wooster and Columbus campuses, e.g., in the Departments of Horticulture and Crop Science, Plant Pathology, Plant Cellular & Molecular Biology as well as interdisciplinary programs in Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology and Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology. The position can expect to build on a strong tradition of research collaboration both within the Department of Entomology, as well as with other departments and USDA-ARS. This position will also contribute to the highly active Wooster Area Molecular Biology Association (WAMBA) that builds partnerships among departments on the OARDC campus and inter-institutional collaborations with molecular biologists at the College of Wooster. Equally strong potential exists for building on intra-departmental expertise on projects that scale understanding of pest biology from genes to ecosystems. This position will complement department expertise in physiology, behavior, chemical ecology, plant/insect interactions, biological control, ecosystem management, systematics, evolution and especially, the new position in population genetics. FACILITY SUPPORT: The position is supported by office and laboratory space in Thorne Hall on the Wooster Campus of OARDC, including a newly remodeled shared molecular laboratory. Additional molecular facilities for genome sequencing, genotyping, and electron microscopy are available on the Wooster campus at minimal cost at the Molecular and Cellular Imaging Center (http://oardc.osu.edu/mcic/). Ample greenhouse facilities and land for field research are available at no charge. APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Applicants should send a letter describing research and teaching interests and career goals; a detailed curriculum vitae; graduate transcripts; recent reprints or manuscripts accepted for publications; and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of five professional references to: Dr. P. Larry Phelan (Search Committee Chair) Department of Entomology Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center 1680 Madison Ave. Wooster, OH 44691. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2008 or until a suitable applicant is selected. The Ohio State University is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, Vietnam-era veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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