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

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 of Dr. John Palumbo, a renowned entomologist who helped establish Arizona as a model for Integrated Pest Management (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. The position is a 9-month academic year appointment with the expectation of externally funded summer research support.

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.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Faculty Workload:

The position carries a 60% Extension, 25% Research, 5% Instruction, and 10% Service distribution. This reflects the mission-critical role of stakeholder engagement and applied Integrated Pest Management (IPM) education in the desert vegetable production systems of southwestern Arizona. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain a highly visible outreach presence while also sustaining an externally funded research program and contributing to undergraduate and graduate instruction and institutional service. Teaching will include one undergraduate class on IPM every other year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead an internationally recognized research and Extension program in IPM for desert vegetable crops, with an emphasis on stakeholder-relevant outcomes and translational science.
• Conduct field- and laboratory-based research addressing insect pest ecology, management strategies, resistance development, and decision-support innovation.
• Collaborate with commodity groups, pest control advisors (PCAs), growers, and allied industries to ensure the developed programs and outputs address priority needs and emerging challenges.
• Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on extramural grants and contracts supporting the research-Extension mission.
• Participate in and provide leadership for cross-commodity, landscape-level IPM initiatives, especially related to pesticide stewardship and resistance management.
• 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.
• Partner with faculty in the Department of Entomology, Arizona Pest Management Center, Cooperative Extension, and related disciplines such as plant sciences, environmental science, agricultural and resource economics, and biosystems engineering.
• Disseminate research findings and Extension materials through diverse platforms, including peer-reviewed publications, digital outreach, and stakeholder-driven newsletters and workshops, such as the Vegetable IPM Updates series.
• Maintain an active public presence in regional, national, and international professional societies, policy panels, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated potential for applied research, extension, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in cross-commodity or area-wide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) initiatives.
• Strong communication skills with both scientific and practitioner audiences.
• Ability to engage with diverse audiences and contribute to the land-grant mission through access to science, education, and community solutions.

• Ph.D. in Entomology or closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or applied insect ecology.
• Experience securing extramural funding to support research and outreach.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Demonstrated competence and experience in developing research and extension programs in vegetable or related production agroecosystems.
• A national/international reputation in IPM science and outreach.
• Experience mentoring graduate students and leading interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience with insecticide resistance management, decision-support tools, and insecticide stewardship programs.

1. A cover letter outlining qualifications, interest in the position.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Three page statement of Research and Extension Philosophy and Interests describing how your program will support IPM in desert agriculture.
4. Three relevant publications.
5. Names and contact information for three references and an optional fourth reference who is a stakeholder or end-user of your work.

Review of applications will begin January 26, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.