Postdoctoral scientist in landscape ecology of non-native forest insects Drs. Ward and Perry.

Overview: Drs. Samuel Ward and Kayla Perry (Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University) are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to characterize patterns of detection and phenology for native and non-native
scolytines (bark and ambrosia beetles) in forest ecosystems.

Duties: The project will involve:
- Developing models to quantify how environmental factors (e.g., weather, host tree abundance) and landscape context (e.g., land use, ecoregion) influence the abundance and diversity of scolytines arriving at biosecurity traps deployed at
several locations across the continental United States (40%).
- Comparing the spatiotemporal variation in phenology among non-native scolytines. (15%)
- Writing, editing, and submitting first-author manuscripts for publication (30%)
- Presenting findings at national and/or regional meetings. (5%)
- Opportunities to help mentor and collaborate with junior scientists (e.g., undergraduate and graduate student researchers) on a variety of projects in both the Ward and Perry Labs and engage in other scholarly activities (e.g., teaching, grant writing) based on the selected candidates interests and career aspirations. (10%)

Duration: Initial appointment is 12 months and will be renewed pending satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The position is available immediately, but the selected candidate will need to start by January 2025.

Qualifications:
- A PhD in entomology, ecology, forestry, or related discipline
- Expertise in modeling, spatial data analysis, and/or community ecology techniques, or a high desire and aptitude for acquiring such skills
- Experience working with large datasets using R statistical software
- Familiarity with or willing to learn about insect phenology and degree-day modeling
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- Publication track record with at least one first author publication

Salary: $61,008 annually, plus comprehensive benefits package

Location: Shared office space and desktop workstation will be provided in the Ward Lab located on Ohio States main campus in Columbus, but periodic trips to Wooster (1.5 hours from Columbus) will be made based on project needs.
Successful candidates will be joining a collegial and collaborative group of faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate students in the Department of Entomology.

How to apply: Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references to Drs. Sam Ward (ward.1792@osu.edu) and Kayla Pery (perry.1864@osu.edu). We will begin reviewing applications on 1 September 2024.

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