[Taxacom] job opportunity in systematic entomology

Thu Dec 21 18:08:06 CST 2006

Call For Applications! 
Visit http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ppd/Entomology/EntomologyJobOpenings.htm for details (or see below)

Associate Insect Biosystematist
Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Sacramento, California

Due Date: 7 March 2007
Fill Date: in place by mid-July 2007

We are seeking a highly-qualified, PhD-level, morphology-leaning systematic entomologist for full time employment as a scientist in the Entomology Lab of our Plant Pest Diagnostics Center (CDFA) in Sacramento, California. Please visit http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ppd/Entomology.htmfor an introduction to our lab.

Currently there is one opening for an Associate Insect Biosystematist, but since the eligible list (from which we must hire) lasts for at least one year, I encourage systematic entomologists with varied expertise to apply. In particular, besides the current position (details below), we anticipate upcoming need for added expertise in Diptera, Sternorrhyncha, and other groups with economically important members. Also note, we may hire outside the needed expertise, with the understanding that the incumbent would be willing to utilize their skills to learn the appropriate diagnostics for the group to which they are assigned.

The primary duties for an Associate Insect Biosystematist include the following:
    1) Perform timely and accurate identifications and diagnostics of the insect group(s) assigned*. Provide expert consultation to internal and external client groups.
    2) Conduct research in systematics and taxonomy of insects or other arthropods (note, this does not have to be the same group as diagnostic assignment), resulting in scientific publications. Applying for external research grant funding is encouraged.
    3) Contribute to the growth and improvement of the California State Collection of Arthropods, our primary reference collection. Please visit http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ppd/CSCA.htmfor an introduction to the collection.
    4) Participate in the general functions and activities of the Entomology Lab and the greater Plant Pest Diagnostics Center team. Please visit http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ppd/for an introduction to the Branch.

*The current opening is for diagnostics of leafhoppers and other Auchenorrhyncha, with a particular emphasis on glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), a major pest of Californias wine grape industry due to its association with Pierces Disease. The incumbent will function as the primary resource for identification and diagnostics of Auchenorrhyncha, and the primary source of information regarding GWSS for the industry and Pierces Disease program at CDFA. There is no specific requirement for the incumbents diagnostic specialty to be the same as his or her research interests, but note that a high level of professional expertise must be developed in your assigned responsibility regardless of research interest. Research in systematics of insects or other arthropods is one of the primary functions of our scientists. 

Salary Range: $4467 - $5390 per month.

Minimum Qualifications: Possession of a Doctoral Degree or its equivalent [from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree approved by the California Superintendent of Public Instruction under the provisions of California Education Code Section 94310], in Systematic Entomology; OR Two years of identification and research experience in systematic entomology after obtaining a Masters Degree in Systematic Entomology [same details], to encourage doctoral students nearing the end of their programs to apply; OR One year of experience in California State service performing the duties of an Insect Biosystematist.

Desirable Qualifications: Use of general principles and specialized and complex procedures and techniques for identifying and curating a prescribed group of insects, other arthropods or mollusks. General familiarity with various literature resources pertaining to entomology, identification, agriculture, horticulture and native plants. A general understanding of the relationships among plants, plant pests and control with agriculture and the environment. Experience with laboratory and curatorial techniques. Demonstrated research experience and expertise in systematics of some group of insects, other arthropods or mollusks.

Application procedure: The application has two parts, as follows:

    1) Download the standard State application form (Form 678) and instructions from http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ppd/Entomology/EntomologyJobOpenings.htm ( http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ppd/Entomology/EntomologyJobOpenings.htm(bottom ) (bottom of the web page). Please pay attention to the details that are requested, as incomplete applications will not be advanced for consideration. The application in HARD COPY, along with a copy of the transcripts for your highest degree, must be RECEIVED at the following address by 7 March 2007:

Attn. Aileen Grizard
Human Resources: Exam Unit
Department of Food & Agriculture
1220 N St., Room 242
Sacramento, CA 95814

    2) By the same date, send a current Curriculum vitae (including a list of 3 professional References) along with up to 5 reprints representing your research and professional activities to:

Dr. Stephen Gaimari
CDFA-PPD
3294 Meadowview Rd.
Sacramento, CA 95832

Further information: If you have any questions, feel free to contact Steve Gaimari by email at sgaimari at cdfa.ca.gov, or by phone at (916) 262-1131.

The general exam bulletin is found at http://jobs.spb.ca.gov/openxrd.cfm?exc=4FANN. Note, DO NOT submit applications via the web-based system on the SPB site.

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Dr. Stephen D. Gaimari
Program Supervisor (Entomology) &
Co-Curator, California State Collection of Arthropods

Plant Pest Diagnostics Lab
California Department of Food and Agriculture
3294 Meadowview Road
Sacramento, CA 95832-1448, USA

916-262-1131 (tel.)
916-262-1190 (fax)
sgaimari at cdfa.ca.gov 
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ppd/Gaimari.htm 
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