The Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for a highly motivated and enthusiastic post-doctoral research associate. This 12-month (calendar year) special appointment will focus on the potential non-target effects of the application of persistent entomopathogenic nematodes used in an Integrated Pest Management program for the western corn rootworm, a critical pest of continuous corn. This position will be located in North Platte, Nebraska with an apportionment of 100% research.
The postdoctoral research associate will contribute to the integrated research land-grant mission of the Department of Entomology and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR), as an effective scholar and citizen, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy.
The postdoctoral research associate will conduct both field and lab research on the potential non-target impacts of biological control approaches for crop pests. The project will focus on the potential non-target effects of the application of persistent entomopathogenic nematodes used in an Integrated Pest Management program for the western corn rootworm, a critical pest of continuous corn. The postdoctoral associate will design and conduct field and lab research experiments, collect and analyze data, prepare and deliver research presentations, and write and submit manuscripts. Supervision and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students and hourly workers are expected. The successful candidate will be a member of a highly collaborative research team; effective communication and collaborative attitude will be essential. They will also contribute to extension programming, grant writing, professional development, and additional lab projects on a variety of topics, such as biological control, insecticide efficacy, and arthropod conservation.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Entomology are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University's N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Entomology or a related area.
Experience conducting research in arthropod ecology, biological control, and/or pest management.
Ability to collect and analyze data, prepare and present research presentations, and write and submit manuscripts.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated ability to synthesize literature, form scientific hypotheses, conduct independent research, coordinate large field and lab studies, and interpret and analyze data.
Excellence in supervising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, communicating effectively to diverse audiences, and presenting research in written and oral formats.
Experience with coleopteran pests, biological control, entomopathogenic nematodes, and research on non-target effects of biocontrol programs.
Ability to work outdoors under sometimes challenging weather conditions (hot and dry Nebraska summers) to conduct field work and direct a team of workers in field crops.
With over 25,000 students, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a diverse educational insitution with international stature. The intellectual center for the state of Nebraska and beyond, we are a land-grant, top tier national research-extensive insitution. Part of the Big Ten conference, Big Ten Academic Alliance, our mission includes growing relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives.