Postdoctoral Fellow II

Overview

The Utah State University Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and the Pollinating Insects Research Unit (PIRU) of the USDA Agricultural Research Service are searching for a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in toxicology and entomology. This is a full-time, temporary appointment of 2 years, based at Utah State University. The postdoc will be working directly with Drs. Kimberly Hageman (USU) and Kelsey Graham (USDA ARS) in Logan, UT, in addition to collaborators at Washington State University (Dr.

Douglas Walsh) in Prosser, WA.

Responsibilities

The aim of this project is to develop standardized methods for conducting quantitative pesticide risk assessments that include the diverse exposure pathways encountered by solitary bees. This includes conducting experiments to determine lethal and sub-lethal toxicity endpoints for two solitary bee species - the alfalfa leaf cutting bee (Megachile rotundata) and the alkali bee (Nomia melanderi). Additionally, the postdoc will lead semi-field studies to evaluate higher-tier risk assessments for pesticide exposures for these bees and determine how different routes of pesticide exposure impact bee health.

The research is expected to provide critical information on how toxicity and exposures differ between solitary bees and the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), which is the model system for this type of work in the US. The candidate should have experiences related to toxicology and working with insects.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

* Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry, Entomology, Biological Sciences, or related disciplines appropriate to this position.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV" Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application Names and contact information for 3 Professional References to be typed at the beginning at your application

Document size may not exceed 10 MB.

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..edu

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges.

Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the  season. The Aggies' long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women's volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women's soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful.

Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at  or hr.

* updated 12/2025

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