Position Summary
The Michigan State University’s Plant & Pest Diagnostics lab (MSU PPD) provides high-quality, timely client-oriented services related to plant health and pest-related problems. Lab staff have expertise in plant pathology, nematology, weed science, abiotic factors that affect plant health, as well as entomology, and work as a team on diagnostic samples. As the North Central regional center of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN), laboratory staff also connect nationally with other diagnosticians to serve on committees, share protocols and expertise, and continue professional development. Finally, diagnosticians support research programs, teach undergraduate courses, and support the broader academic mission. MSU seeks an individual with strong entomology and outreach experience to work effectively and collaboratively with the PPD team.
Duties will include:
- Receive and identify samples, pictures, and questions related to arthropods from agriculture, homes, commercial structures, public spaces, medical/veterinary, etc.
- Prepare and deliver timely identifications and recommendations to clientele, while maintaining appropriate records in a diagnostic database.
- Keep current with pest control strategies and provide management recommendations where appropriate.
- Report regulated pests to appropriate agencies.
- Work collaboratively with diagnosticians in PPD to evaluate, diagnose, and respond to samples and questions about general plant problems from a broad range of systems including landscape/ornamentals, fruit, vegetable, field crops, etc.
- Develop educational content related to arthropod diagnostics through fact sheets, presentations, interviews, and training workshops.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with experts at MSU (e.g. MSU extension educators and campus specialists) and at other institutions.
- Teach the lecture and laboratory portions of an undergraduate applied entomology course on MSU’s campus and coordinate similar offerings at multiple community colleges in Michigan.
More information is available at CAREERS@MSU (Job no:905928)
