Research Entomologist, Strawberry Center

Job Summary 

The Strawberry Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo invites applications for a Strawberry Research Entomologist and Entomology Program Leader. This is an executive/management level position. The Strawberry Center’s mission is to ensure the sustainability of California’s $3.1 billion strawberry industry through applied research and education that addresses industry needs. The Strawberry Center is closely aligned with the California strawberry industry and receives significant financial and advisory support from the California Strawberry Commission. The successful applicant is expected to develop a strong applied research program addressing applied entomological problems for the California strawberry industry. These problems include important management challenges with Lygus bug, spider mites, spotted wing drosophila and other arthropod pests. Losses to the California strawberry industry from these pests are estimated to be greater than $200 million/year. The successful candidate will conduct high-impact research focused on improving the management of strawberry arthropod pests. Candidates with established records of productive applied research programs and broad agricultural entomology and IPM experience are encouraged to apply. 

The appointment will focus primarily on applied research and will also assist the Director of the Strawberry Center with administrative oversight of the Center and its integration in the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences and the Plant Sciences department. A variety of entomology laboratory space is available.  A research associate position is also provided.  

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is located on California’s Central Coast, with all strawberry production regions within 2.5 hours driving time from campus. The Strawberry Center is housed at Technology Park and the main campus with access to 10 acres of campus research fields immediately adjacent to office and laboratory space. Collaboration with local strawberry growers is encouraged with Santa Maria offering the closest opportunity (30 miles). 

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Conduct applied research on entomological issues facing the California strawberry industry; primary pests include Lygus bug, twospotted spider mites and spotted wing drosophila. 

• Research focus should be on issues with potential for high impact to the strawberry industry in the near term. 

• Develop strong rapport and work effectively with growers, pest control advisors (PCAs) and other industry collaborators. 

• Obtain research grants to support research projects, Master’s and undergraduate students. 

• Report research results at industry, scientific and other appropriate meetings. 

• Publish research results in journals and media appropriate to the work (e.g., research reports, conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journals, Center’s research blog). 

• Become a recognized authority in the area of strawberry arthropod management. 

• Develop a nationally recognized applied research program with targeted impact on local growers. 

• Advise undergraduate and graduate students on senior projects and Master’s theses. 

• Assist the Director in the administrative duties of the Strawberry Center (e.g., safety, training, personnel management; represent the Center at various university and industry committees and functions). 

• Manage budgets and ensure deadlines are met on all projects. 

• Participate as a member of the Strawberry Center Team that includes 12 staff, 30-40 students and many different ongoing projects. 

• Attend training and maintain skill currency as appropriate to safely and effectively complete assignments. 

• Obtain a California Pest Control Advisor’s license. 

• Perform other duties assigned. 

• This position classification has been defined as "Exempt" and is not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 

• This position is indefinite in duration, based on satisfactory performance and available funds. 

• This “at will” position serves at the pleasure of the Director of the Strawberry Center. 

• A background check is required for all regular benefited positions. 

• The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• The incumbent will directly supervise employees including but not limited to an entomology research associate, graduate and undergraduate students, and part-time intermittent employees.    

• Supervisory responsibilities require independent judgement and discretion and include but are not limited to effective delegation of assignments, assignment of daily work tasks, and training employees to meet and exceed safety and performance standards relevant to subordinate job requirements. 

• Conduct performance evaluations with direct reports using established policies consistent with Center goals and objectives. 

• Conduct recruiting, interviewing, and effectively recommend hiring, discipline, and termination. 

Position Requirements 

• Ph.D. in entomology or M.S. in entomology plus demonstrated proficiency in independent research, grant writing and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. 

• Experience in extending research results to industry members using a variety of print and electronic media. 

• Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people in the Strawberry Center, California Strawberry Commission, strawberry industry, allied industries, academia and government. 

• Demonstrable skills in verbal and written communication. 

• Demonstrated ability to obtain extramural funding from commodity and government-based granting agencies. 

• Ability to initiate, build, and sustain effective communication and teamwork by fostering a positive, cooperative, and productive work environment. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with individuals from diverse populations and a wide range of cultural backgrounds, both within and outside the university. 

• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation. 

• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures. 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines. 

• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistics, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email. 

• Working knowledge of—or ability to quickly learn—university infrastructure, policies and procedures. 

• Maintain regular and reliable working hours. 

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. Ability to obtain a California Driver’s License within 3 months of hiring. 

• Able to work occasional evenings, weekends and holidays and adjust working hours to meet special tasks and deadlines. 

Physical Requirements  

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone 

• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, and field research equipment 

• Seeing to read a variety of materials and perform field and laboratory research 

• Sitting or standing for extended period of time 

• Physical agility to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height 

• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects including in agricultural fields 

• Commuting on an as-needed basis to outside meetings and training locations