Post-doctoral

Penn State University • University Park, IL

23h

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Scholar research position in chemical ecology of insect-plant interactions is available in the laboratory of Dr. Monica Kersch-Becker in the Department of Entomology at The Pennsylvania State University (https://monikersch.wixsite.com/kersch-beckerlab). This position will investigate the mechanisms underlying plant–arthropod interactions, with a particular focus on how plant chemical defenses mediate predator–prey dynamics. The research will also examine how environmental factors influence the strength of tritrophic interactions and how these processes can be leveraged to improve biological control strategies. The ideal candidate is a talented researcher that is hardworking, creative, and, above all, competent with manuscript writing. Applicants must have a passion for field, greenhouse and laboratory work, competence with statistical analyses, and strong writing skills. Responsibilities will include plant and insect rearing, chemical analyses, microbiome analyses, planning, conducting and supervising experiments, student mentoring, data management and analysis, manuscript preparation and submission. Candidates must have received a Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date. Funding is available for at least 1 year, with annual renewal dependent on performance, and will include a competitive salary and full benefits. Penn State offers a range of professional development opportunities. Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The successful applicant would ideally start in Summer 2026, but start date is negotiable. Applicants interested in the position are encouraged to contact Dr. Monica Kersch-Becker [email protected] before applying. To be considered for this position, submit completed application including a cover letter detailing experience and research interests, a current CV, contact information for three professional references, and two representative publications. System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a passion for field, greenhouse and laboratory work
• competence with statistical analyses
• strong writing skills
• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date

Responsibilities

• plant and insect rearing
• chemical analyses
• microbiome analyses
• planning, conducting and supervising experiments
• student mentoring
• data management and analysis
• manuscript preparation and submission

Benefits

• full benefits
• Penn State offers a range of professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees