Postdoctoral Fellow: Pollinator Health & Bee Research Lead

Job no: 510532
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 013200 - Delta Research and Extension Center
Location: Washington County
Categories: Professional
Position Open Date: May 22 2026

The Delta Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to lead research projects evaluating the impacts of intensive agriculture on honey bee health and to support currently funded projects. Position is for two years with the possibility of annual extension depending on performance and availability of funds.

Pollinator Health in Intensive Agricultural Landscape

The responsibilities include but are not limited to leading the research projects and conducting field and laboratory research on honey bee health. The incumbent will also have the freedom to conduct his or her own research if it falls within the scope of the lab research theme. The ideal candidate needs to be self‑motivated, comfortable working with live honey bees in both field and laboratory settings, and demonstrate strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills along with a great work ethic.

The ability to present research findings at scientific and extension meetings is essential. Candidate must possess molecular laboratory skills to analyze the collected samples including RNA/DNA extraction and virus detection and be proficient in applying statistical methods to analyze data. The selected candidate will be expected to prepare manuscripts for submission to peer‑reviewed journals and contribute to extension publications. The position requires a proactive and independent researcher conducting professional level research and contributing to the lab’s educational programs.

The successful applicant should be able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively with team members, cross‑disciplinary researchers, and beekeepers.

• PhD in Biology, Entomology or similar field is required at the time of appointment.
• A valid driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one by the start date of the position.

• The candidate should have experience in Next Generation Sequencing, and toxicology.
• The candidate should be comfortable working with live bees (honey bees or wild bees) in both laboratory and field settings.
• Possess advanced beekeeping techniques, including queen rearing, and queen insemination is preferable but not necessary.
• Demonstrate previous research experience in pollinator health and specifically honey bees.
• Proficiency in molecular laboratory techniques and statistical data analysis.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail and excellent record keeping.
• Self‑motivated individual who can take direction but does not require direction.
• Able to work in a collaborative environment on team‑based research.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail.

Good dexterity as well as hand and eye coordination. The selected individual needs to be comfortable working with live bees. Physical strength and endurance are needed to perform strenuous outdoor work under hot, sunny field conditions.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325‑5839.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325‑3713 or adatate.edu . If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325‑3713 or adatate.edu

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Dr. Esmaeil Amiri
Mississippi State University
Delta Research and Extension Center
PO Box 197
Stoneville, MS 38776
ea795
Office:

June 5, 2026, until filled.