The University of Tennessee (UT) is seeking applications and nominations for the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. This is a 12-month, tenured position.

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology offers a graduate program leading to the Master of Science with a major in entomology and plant pathology, and the Doctor of Philosophy through the interdisciplinary Plants, Soils and Insects program. Students in the entomology concentration may specialize in crop entomology, medical and veterinary entomology, forest entomology, insect physiology, systematics, insect pest management, or biological control. Students in the plant pathology concentration may specialize in foliar and stem fungal diseases, soilborne pathogens, disease physiology, biocontrol, forest pathology, plant nematology, or virology.

Current research projects and extension programs focus on fungal, insect, nematode and viral pathogens/pests of crops, animals, or urban structures. World-class, vibrant research programs in the department include the epidemiology and control of fungal plant diseases, molecular approaches to plant disease resistance, arthropod and nematode systematics, control methods for native, exotic and invasive insect pests, optimization and development of biotechnology for insect control, and control of disease and optimization of processing of biofuel crops

Teaching, research and extension activities are accomplished by 27 faculty members, 7 research assistant professors and postdoctoral associates and 15 professional, support, and clerical staff on the Knoxville campus as well as at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson, and the Soil, Plant and Pest Center in Nashville. Approximately 24 graduate students are enrolled in the Department’s MS and PhD programs, and the department supports the undergraduate teaching programs of the departments of Animal Science, Plant Sciences, Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries, and others. Encouraging undergraduate participation in research, creative achievement and real-world experience is a departmental goal; college-based undergraduate research and honors programs are housed in the department.

Additional information about the department is available at http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/default.html and more information on the Knoxville area can be found at http://taes.utk.edu/upload/AgRsch/Knoxvilleinfo.pdf

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Department Head’s responsibilities include leadership of all departmental programs and administrative responsibility for planning, fiscal management, human resources and facilities. The Department Head reports to the Deans of AgResearch, UT Extension, and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, working with their offices to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. The Head guides the Department in its mission to deliver nationally and internationally recognized programs in teaching, research and extension. The Head helps articulate and promote the Department’s vision to provide high quality, relevant education and training for undergraduate and graduate students that encompasses the three-part vision of the University of Tennessee – value creation, original ideas, and leadership, thus positioning students to take their places as academic and industry leaders in the state of Tennessee and the world.

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Lead education, research, and extension activities in the Department with fairness and integrity;
• Effectively advocate for the Department to external constituencies (including alumni, agricultural industries, state and federal agencies, and professional organizations), and the administration within the university;
• Recruit, motivate and strengthen faculty, staff and students through active engagement, mentoring, and professional development programs;
• Foster an environment of collegiality, teamwork, diversity and respect for multicultural and multi-disciplinary settings in the Department and in the university community;
• Interact with faculty, students, stakeholders and the Department’s Advisory Group to determine direction and priorities;
• Enhance cooperation and collaboration with other departments, colleges and universities
• Cultivate externally sponsored opportunities to support our programs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must qualify for the rank of Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology with an earned doctoral degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or related field.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following:

• An understanding of and commitment to excellence in the three missions of a land grant university;
• A record of outstanding professional accomplishments, including team building skills;
• Effective communication, consensus building, interpersonal and leadership skills;
• Excellence in at least two of the following: (1) research or scholarly activity; (2) teaching, instruction; (3) extension, service, or outreach; (4) academic or administrative leadership;
• Appreciation for the disciplinary breadth of the department;
• A knowledge of and commitment to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

We seek a collegial leader with:

• Experience in and a willingness to engage in assessing priorities, strategic planning and implementation, and adaptability to change in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Skills in effective management of personnel and a desire to encourage productive teamwork;
• Demonstrated fiscal and resource management skills, and a commitment to financial transparency;
• International reputation in specialty area, successful grantsmanship at regional and national levels, and active involvement in appropriate scientific societies;
• Evidence of positive group leadership at the department level and/or in multi-investigator projects.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation is competitive and will be based on experience and qualifications. The University of Tennessee offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, including health and dental insurance, life insurance and multiple retirement plans. Additional information can be found at http://humanresources.tennessee.edu/benefits/.

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS

The Search Committee will review and continue to receive applications until an appointment is made. Nominations of qualified individuals are sought and should be sent via electronic means to the Chair of the Search committee at the address shown below. Nominations of prospective candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Applications will be reviewed beginning September 1, 2012. Applications should include: (1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant’s qualifications and vision of departmental leadership; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; and (3) names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of at least five professional references that the Search Committee may contact. Application materials should be submitted as attachments to: eppdhsc@utsp.tennessee.edu

Nominations, and other inquiries should be addressed to:

Search Committee Chair
Eric C. Drumm, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor and Head
Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science
2506 E.J. Chapman Drive
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-4531
Phone: (865) 974-7133
email: edrumm@utk.edu