Postdoc Research Associate - Bee Ecology and Conservation in Farmland

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar for a USDA-NIFA-funded project investigating how reconstructed native habitat in agricultural landscapes affects managed and wild bees. The project, “Evaluating Benefits of Reconstructed Habitat in Farmland Across Bee Species and Landscapes,” aims to determine when and where prairie strips and other reconstructed habitats benefit bee communities in intensively farmed landscapes. Research integrates field ecology, pollinator health, landscape ecology, pesticide exposure, floral resource assessment, and management of honey bee and bumble bee colonies.

This full-time position is based at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. The initial appointment is one year, with possible renewal and funding potentially available for up to three years, contingent on satisfactory performance and continued project funding. The anticipated start date is between January and May 2027; the proposed start date is January 15, 2027. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work with Professors Amy Toth, the direct supervisor, Lisa Schulte Moore, and Matthew O’Neal, as well as an interdisciplinary team. The position includes Iowa State University benefits.

The role offers opportunities for intellectual leadership, including contributing to research planning, mentoring students and junior researchers, and developing professional skills relevant to careers in ecology, entomology, conservation science, and related disciplines. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

• PhD in biology, entomology, ecology, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
• Prior research experience relevant to the goals and activities of the project.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting ecological or entomological field research, especially related to Hymenoptera.
• Experience with plant and/or bee identification.
• Experience with beekeeping or honey bee research.

Responsibilities

• Travel to Iowa farm field sites and collect ecological and bee health data on wild bees, managed bumble bees, and honey bees.
• Assist with management and monitoring of honey bee and bumble bee colonies used in the study.
• Analyze data, prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and present research findings at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with project investigators, research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, farmer cooperators, and other project partners.
• Assist with plant surveys, floral resource measurements, including use of drone imagery, and pollen sampling and analysis.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research efforts focused on pollinator conservation in agricultural landscapes.
• Contribute to research planning and mentor students and junior researchers.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
• Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.
• WorkFlex options for some positions, offering flexibility in when, where, and how work is done.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree