Postdoctoral Scholar Researcher Position in Evolutionary Ecology of Plant-Pollinator Interactions

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

A postdoctoral position is available in the López-Uribe lab (www.lopezuribelab.com) at The Pennsylvani State University to work on an NSF-funded project investigating the impacts of crop domestication on floral traits and pollinator behavior. The person in this position will be in charge of setting up and overseeing experiments in the greenhouse and field, as well as manipulating insects in enclosures. The postdoc is expected to complete the work and disseminate results via peer-reviewed publications within the timeframe of the position. There will also be opportunities to be involved in outreach and extension work transferring research outputs from this project to crop breeders and the general public.

• Work on a variety of research activities including growing plants in the greenhouse, making pollinator observations, and quantifying floral traits (morphology, volatiles, pollen, nectar).
• Data analysis skills include knowledge of quantitative genetics, linear models, and multivariate statistics.
• Work on a variety of research activities including growing plants in the greenhouse, making pollinator observations, and quantifying floral traits (morphology, volatiles, pollen, nectar).

The candidate should demonstrate a proven record of effectively working in teams and mentoring students. Abilities with bioinformatic analysis is desirable but not required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in entomology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or related fields of study. The successful candidate must have completed all PhD degree requirements by the appointment date. The applicant must have strong quantitative skills and experience analyzing large datasets. A strong publication record and organizational and communication skills are also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will be involved in grant writing, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and outreach/extension activities. This position will be located at Penn State in University Park, PA (Penn State's main campus).

BENEFITS

This is a full-time postdoctoral researcher position with an annual salary of $61,000. This is a term position funded for one year from date of hire with a good possibility of re-funding beyond the first year for up to an additional year contingent upon job performance.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

To apply, interested applicants should submit the following documents: a brief statement (up to 2 pages) describing relevant previous research experience and interests in working in the lab and as part of this project. Please address point-by-point how your previous experience relates to the responsibilities detailed in the job description. curriculum vitae (include experience in both research and outreach/extension) contact information for three references willing to provide letters of recommendation. Please send any questions regarding the position to Margarita López-Uribe (mml64@psu.edu) with the subject line: “Postdoctoral Position in Evolutionary Ecology”. This position will be open until a suitable candidate is found in the applicant pool.