Assistant Professor of Nematology

Department Contact: Jennifer Randall, 575-646-2920, jrandall@nmsu.edu

About the Role

The Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science seeks to hire an Assistant Professor to develop an innovative, fundamental, and applied research program in nematology related to integrated pest management in the semi-arid west and teach courses needed by the Department and the College. The position is tenure-track, 85% Research and 15% Teaching.

This position will develop a creative, collaborative, extramurally funded research program focused on plant-parasitic nematode interactions across New Mexico's agricultural to urban ecosystems. The Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science is part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, which includes seven academic departments, five extension departments, approximately 150 faculty members, and 1,800 students.

Responsibilities

• Develop a research program in nematology related to integrated pest management, with potential areas including:
  • Sustainable management of plant parasitic nematodes impacting agricultural crops (e.g., root-knot nematodes and stem nematodes) and recreational areas (e.g., nematodes in turfgrass systems).
  • Nematodes as a component of sustainable agriculture, including their roles as biological control agents and in nutrient cycling.
  • Community ecology of nematodes, including ecology and function of plant-associated and free-living nematodes in dryland soils.
  • The biology of soil nematodes, including nematode-plant interactions and nematode response to variable abiotic factors.
  • Investigation of the morphological and functional diversity of soil nematodes, their pathogenicity, and biological control properties.
• Work collaboratively with faculty across academic departments and colleges.
• Teach Nematology and develop new courses depending on expertise (e.g., Soil Ecology).
• Supervise graduate students.
• Pursue competitive grant funding.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Nematology, Plant Pathology, or related biological science (must be in hand by the date of hire).
• Strong background and experience in nematology.
• Novel skill set to bring to the department, including but not limited to behavioral/chemical ecological tools, modeling/AI approaches, or other innovative methods to investigate nematode interactions.
• Good communication skills and a strong commitment to teaching, independent, and collaborative research.
• Meet the minimum qualifications for an NMSU graduate faculty appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral experience.

Working Conditions

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited physical effort required; occasional handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.