A three year post-doctoral research associate position is available in the Agroecosystems Entomology lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s West Central Research & Extension Center in North Platte, Nebraska. The post-doc will contribute to the integrated research and extension land-grant Mission of the home unit and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources ( IANR), as an effective scholar and citizen, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy.
The successful candidate will conduct both field and lab research on the impact of pest behavior and ecology on the efficacy of resistance management strategies. The project will focus on the western bean cutworm *Striacosta albicosta *(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a critical pest of corn and dry beans, and its interactions with genetically modified *Bacillus thuringiensis *(Bt) corn. The post-doctoral associate will design and conduct field and lab research experiments, collect and analyze data, prepare and deliver research presentations, and write and submit manuscripts. Supervision and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students and hourly workers is expected. The post-doc will be a member of a highly collaborative research team; effective communication and collaborative attitude will be essential. Opportunities to participate in extension programming, grant writing, professional development, and additional lab projects on a variety of topics, such as biological control, insecticide efficacy, and pollinator conservation will be available. Minimum Qualifications: · PhD required in Entomology or a related area · Experience conducting research in arthropod ecology, behavior, and/or pest management · Ability to collect and analyze data, prepare and present research presentations, and write and submit manuscripts · Must pass criminal history background check Preferred Qualifications: · Demonstrated ability to synthesize literature, form scientific hypotheses, conduct independent research, coordinate large field and lab studies, and interpret and analyze data · Excellence in supervising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, communicating effectively to diverse audiences, and presenting research in written and oral formats · Experience with lepidopteran pests, transgenic crops, resistance management, and research on insect movement and behavior · Ability to work outdoors under sometimes challenging weather conditions (hot and dry Nebraska summers) to conduct field work and direct a team of workers in field crops To apply, submit letter of interest, curriculum vitae, list of references, and up to 3 published or submitted articles by *January 3, 2017*: https://employment.unl.edu/postings/52444 Contact Dr. Julie A. Peterson ([email protected]) with questions about the position. -- Julie A. Peterson Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist Department of Entomology University of Nebraska-Lincoln West Central Research & Extension Center 402 West State Farm Road North Platte, NE 69101 Office: 308-696-6704 Fax: 308-696-6780 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @PetersonInsects
