Assistant, Associate or Full Professor in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Position Summary

Start Date

Jul 01, 2026

Position Description

The Department of Entomology at the University of Arizona invites applications for a tenure-eligible faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate or Full Professor. This position based at the Yuma Agricultural Center (YAC) honors Dr. John Palumbo, a renowned entomologist who helped to establish Arizona as a model for IPM. We seek a visionary scientist and committed Extension professional to lead a dynamic stakeholder-driven research and outreach program focused on IPM in desert vegetable agroecosystems. The successful candidate will integrate cutting-edge research, stakeholder engagement, and teaching to deliver insect pest solutions that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsive.

YAC supports Arizona’s $3.2 billion vegetable industry and provides unmatched opportunities for collaborative research and Extension. YAC includes 470 acres of irrigated farmland and is a premier site for innovation in IPM, precision agriculture, and sustainability. Yuma is on the Colorado River and known as the “Sunniest City on Earth,” a vibrant community and national leader in winter vegetable production.

This position is supported by the John Palumbo Endowed Fund in IPM established by stakeholders, which demonstrates deep community commitment to IPM. Entomology at the University of Arizona is ranked #1 in the world by EduRank (2023–2025), a Top Workplace, and is known for groundbreaking research, hands-on teaching, and impactful outreach.

Responsibilities: 60% Extension, 25% Research, 5% Instruction, and 10% Service.

Extension: The successful candidate is expected to develop and lead an internationally recognized Extension program in IPM for vegetable crops, with an emphasis on stakeholder-relevant outcomes and translational science. Extension will focus on developing cross-commodity, landscape-level IPM initiatives, including pesticide stewardship and resistance management. Collaboration with commodity groups, pest control advisors (PCAs), growers, and allied industries will ensure the programs and outputs address priority needs and emerging challenges. Partnership with faculty in the Department of Entomology, Arizona Pest Management Center, Cooperative Extension, and in related disciplines is anticipated. Extension materials will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, digital outreach, stakeholder-driven newsletters, and workshops.

Research: The candidate is expected to develop and lead an externally funded, internationally recognized research program in IPM for desert vegetable crops. Research will focus on insect pest ecology, management strategies, resistance management, and decision-support innovation.

Instruction: The candidate is expected to engage in undergraduate and graduate education, including mentoring M.S. and Ph.D. students, and contributing to IPM-related courses and field training, especially at UA-Yuma, a satellite campus in Yuma offering undergraduate education.

Service: The candidate is expected to engage in service and leadership activities in the department, the college, the university, and professional organizations.

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Entomology or related field, demonstrated expertise in IPM or applied insect ecology, and experience in extension or working with diverse stakeholders is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated competence in developing research and extension programs in vegetable or related production agroecosystems is preferred.

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

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