Assistant Professor - Applied Insect Chemist

Assistant Professor - Applied Insect Chemist

Tenure-track

Department of Entomology, Cornell University

Location: Geneva, NY, USA. The academic home for this position is the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Geneva campus of Cornell University. 

The Department of Entomology at Cornell University is seeking applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position in the area of Applied Insect Chemistry. The successful candidate is expected to establish an externally funded and internationally recognized research program in insect, plant, and agricultural chemistry that directly contributes to specialty crop protection. Insect chemical ecology plays a pivotal role in multiple disciplines, including biochemical synthesis, toxicology, behavior and neurobiology, that contribute towards successful management of agricultural, invasive, and animal pests. Advances in chemical analysis support breakthroughs in specialty crop pest management. We therefore seek candidates with strong expertise in chemistry coupled with deep motivation to develop implementable insect pest management tools for New York agriculture. Engagement with other disciplines is essential to achieve the mission of Cornell AgriTech to improve the health of people, the environment and the economy of New York. The successful candidate is therefore expected to establish collaborations with scientists across Cornell’s campuses as well as those outside of Cornell. 

Outstanding research scholarship is expected, as is excellence in extension, translation of knowledge, and inclusive mentorship of students. We seek colleagues with a record demonstrating success and promise across these areas, and who will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell University. As such, candidates are expected to engage in service and leadership activities within the department, college, university, and relevant professional societies. The candidate will become a member of the Cornell AgriTech community which maintains close connections with New York’s specialty crop industries.

Responsibilities:

This position has an effort split of 70% research and 30% extension.

RESEARCH (70%):

The successful candidate is expected to establish an internationally recognized research program in insect chemical biology and pest management, using a combination of chemical, behavioral or toxicological approaches to investigate the interactions between agriculturally relevant insects and plants. These approaches should be supported with field evaluations and developed into applied control strategies relevant to specialty crops in New York. Collaborative projects with industry should evaluate technologies for use by New York specialty crop growers and food producers while contributing to agricultural innovation and economic development.

EXTENSION (30%): The successful candidate is expected to build an integrated extension program that translates research innovations into improved pest monitoring and pest management tools for New York’s specialty crop industry. The successful candidate will utilize multiple modes of communication in their extension program including extension presentations, newsletter and trade-journal articles, social media, fact sheets, webinars and field demonstrations. This may include but is not limited to research-based information about pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, insect behavior-modifying compounds, and plant chemical signaling. We anticipate that the candidate will work closely with faculty, Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, the Cornell Integrated Pest Management Program, commodity organizations, government agencies, and technology developers to address insect-related problems within the specialty crop industry and advance the responsible development and implementation of effective pest-management solutions.

TEACHING: There is no formal teaching assignment with this position. However, there is an expectation that the successful candidate will contribute occasional guest lectures in courses like chemical ecology and those pertaining to pest management. There is also an opportunity to occasionally offer graduate seminars in your area of expertise.

MENTORING: There is an expectation that the successful candidate will mentor graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and staff in their lab. There will also be an opportunity to mentor undergraduate students as part of Cornell AgriTech’s Summer Research Scholars Program , a highly successful and unique internship program that provides hands-on research experience for undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the candidate will be encouraged to provide training and mentorship for graduate students and postdocs on the use of analytical chemistry equipment housed within the lab. The candidate will be responsible for establishing an inclusive, equitable, and productive working environment, and respectful mentor-mentee relationships that support the needs and goals of mentees. 

Department Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in the Department of Entomology in Geneva, NY.

QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. degree in chemistry, biology or an agricultural discipline that has a strong biological chemistry and entomology background. Working knowledge of the methods and instrumentation used for collection and chemical analysis of entomological, botanical, and other agriculturally relevant compounds. A commitment to advancing agriculture by participating in multidisciplinary team-based research and extension programs is essential. Preferred qualifications include postdoctoral experience, successful collaborative experience, and ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including students, colleagues, and industry stakeholders.

Application and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is August 1, 2027, or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position, 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 4) an extension statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 5) copies of three relevant publications, and 6) names and contact information for three references. Materials should be submitted online to:

Applications received by December 8, 2026, by. 11:59pm EST will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to live within commuting distance of Geneva, NY. Relocation assistance may be provided. Finalists for this position will be asked to sign an affidavit that they have not been found to have violated employer policies at their previous institutions.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Dr. Kyle Wickings

Department of Entomology

Cornell University

Geneva, NY 14456

Email: View email address on jobs.sciencecareers.org

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointment to academic positions requires candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.

We seek a colleague with an outstanding record demonstrating success and promise across all these areas, and who will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell. Learn how CALS fosters an environment where faculty are supported, valued, and empowered to make meaningful contributions throughout their careers.

In compliance with New York's Pay Transparency Law, the annual base salary range for this assistant professor position is $90,000 - $135,000. This pay range represents base pay (for 9 months). Cornell University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

The new faculty member will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community at Cornell University. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of “…any person…any study,” Cornell is an  equal opportunity employer .