Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Details

The Acevedo and Hermann labs are seeking a motivated postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Entomology at The Pennsylvania State University. The successful candidate will support research on the spotted lantern fly in grape. Research will be conducted in field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings, with a commitment to work in these environments and frequent travel within the state.

• Grow and maintain milkweed, grapevines, and tree of heaven plants for research experiments.
• Transplant and care for milkweed plants in the field.
• Set up research experiments and accurately collect data from field and laboratory conditions.
• Drive frequently to research sites to collect data on spotted lantern fly infestations.
• Interact with faculty, staff, graduate students, and farmers.
• Collect plant and insect samples for laboratory analyses and assist in assessing the effect of milkweed on lanternflies.
• Digitize data from experiments and help prepare written reports.
• Assist with the purchase of materials required for experiments and the submission of expense reports.

Contribute to original content to engage audiences through electronic extension publications, traditional publications, and in‑person presentations.

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Entomology or a closely related field, with evidence of completion before the effective hire date.
• Demonstrated record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience conducting field research, insect rearing, and plant cultivation.
• Ability to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and publish research findings with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively within a research team that includes graduate and undergraduate students.
• Willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.

The position is located in University Park, Pennsylvania, with frequent travel to field research sites within the state.

Open until filled. The anticipated start date is June 1, 2026.

Competitive stipend and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Submit a single PDF containing: a letter of interest, CV, graduate transcripts, and names and email addresses of three references. Apply via the Penn State Careers site: hr.psu.edu/careers. For questions, contact Flor

E. Acevedo at fea
5007.

Employment requires successful completion of background checks per University policies and a valid driver’s license with a motor‑vehicle records check.

Penn State offers a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. For more detailed information, visit the benefits page. Postdoctoral benefits may be found on the Postdoctoral Benefits page.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact .

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