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

Job Overview

A postdoctoral position is available in the Lopez‑Uribe lab at The Pennsylvania State University to work on an NSF‑funded project investigating the impacts of crop domestication on floral traits and pollinator behavior. The successful candidate will design and oversee greenhouse and field experiments, manipulate insects in enclosures, and disseminate results via peer‑reviewed publications within the position’s timeframe. Opportunities exist for outreach and extension work transferring research outputs to crop breeders and the general public.

• Set up, maintain, and supervise greenhouse and field experiments.
• Manipulate insects in enclosures and conduct pollinator observations.
• Quantify floral traits, including morphology, volatiles, pollen, and nectar.
• Perform data analysis using quantitative genetics, linear models, and multivariate statistics.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Engage in outreach/extension activities and grant writing.

• Ph.D. in entomology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or a related field, completed by the appointment date.
• Strong quantitative skills and experience analyzing large datasets.
• Proven record of publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork abilities.
• Experience mentoring students is required; bioinformatic analysis skills are desirable but not mandatory.

This full‑time postdoctoral researcher position offers an annual salary of $61,000. It is a one‑year term position funded by NSF, with a possibility of additional funding for up to an additional year contingent on performance.

Interested applicants should submit a brief statement (up to 2 pages) detailing relevant research experience and how it relates to the responsibilities, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Direct all inquiries and applications to Margarita Lopez‑Uribe (mml
64) with the subject line “Postdoctoral Position in Evolutionary Ecology.” This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 814‑865‑1473.