Postdoctoral Scholar

Penn State University • University Park, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Acevedo and Hermann labs are seeking a motivated individual for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the Department of Entomology at The Pennsylvania State University. This role will support research on Spotted Lanternfly in grape. The work will involve field, greenhouse, and laboratory conditions, requiring commitment to these environments and frequent travel within the state. The position is a term position, with the length to be discussed during the interview process. Continuation beyond the initial term is contingent upon university need, performance, and/or funding availability.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Entomology or a closely related field.
• Evidence that all requirements for the Ph.D. have been met prior to the effective date of hire.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience conducting field research, insect rearing, and plant cultivation.
• Ability to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively within a research team that includes graduate and undergraduate students.
• Willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.
• Must operate a motor vehicle as part of job duties.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check.

Responsibilities

• Growing and maintaining milkweed, grapevines, and tree of heaven plants for research experiments.
• Transplanting and caring for milkweed plants in the field.
• Setting up research experiments and accurately collecting data from field and laboratory conditions.
• Driving frequently to the research sites to collect data on spotted lanternfly infestations in the field.
• Interacting with faculty, staff, graduate students, and farmers.
• Collecting plant and insect samples for laboratory analyses and helping perform analyses to assess the effect of milkweed on lanternflies.
• Digitalizing data from experiments and helping prepare written reports.
• Assisting with the purchase of materials required for experiments and the submission of expense reports.
• Contributing to original content for electronic extension publications, traditional publications, and in-person presentations for outreach activities.

Benefits

• Competitive stipends
• Attractive benefits packages
• Benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being

What This Job Offers

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