Research Associate in Insect Vibrational Communication

Staff Full-Time Days Per Week: Monday - Friday Hours Per Week: 40 hrs/wk VP Area: Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs Department: Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences Location: Off Campus Position Summary Elon University and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are seeking a Research Associate with a background in animal communication to conduct exciting, cutting-edge research on the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) (Hemiptera: Lycorma delicatula). The ideal candidate would have expertise in the study of vibrational communication (i.e., biotremology) or acoustic communication. Research will focus on elucidating the role of SLF vibrational signals in insect mate selection behaviors, aggregation, and other behaviors that may be exploited as pest control methods. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a team to develop vibrational signals into stimuli for novel behavior-based Integrated Pest Management tools and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. This position will be stationed at the USDA-APHIS Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML) located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, working closely with Dr. Miriam Cooperband at USDA-APHIS, in collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Hamel at Elon University and Dr. Rodrigo Krugner at USDA-ARS. Most work would occur at FPML, but the successful candidate would also travel to Elon University up to twice a year for field work and opportunities related to an academic setting. This position will support the training and development of a researcher with interests in insect communication and applied research. The successful candidate would work among a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians at the USDA APHIS PPQ FPML, gain experience investigating practical, real-world entomological problems involving important invasive species of insects, within a biosecure facility and in the field, and would also have opportunities to gain faculty- and student-facing experiences in an academic setting when visiting Elon University. Annual salary of $84,579 (Doctoral degree) or $69,905 (Master's degree). This 12-month appointment has the possibility of renewal for up to three years. Benefits of Working at Elon Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes immediate eligibility for health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university, and 28 days of paid leave annually (vacation days and holidays). Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon's principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one's identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service. Minimum Required Education and Experience Ph.D. or Master's degree in Biology, Entomology, or a related discipline; demonstrated research experience and expertise in animal vibrational or acoustic communication. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. under a cooperative agreement with the USDA and employment is contingent on passing a background check. Preferred Education and Experience Demonstrated expertise and success in vibrational communication research (i.e., biotremology); experience determining the behavioral function of vibrational signals; animal behavioral expertise relating specifically to substrate-borne vibrations used in aggregation, orientation, and/or mating; strong publication record. Job Duties Elon University and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are seeking a Research Associate with a background in animal communication to conduct exciting, cutting-edge research on the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) (Hemiptera: Lycorma delicatula). The ideal candidate would have expertise in the study of vibrational communication (i.e., biotremology) or acoustic communication. Research will focus on elucidating the role of SLF vibrational signals in insect mate selection behaviors, aggregation, and other behaviors that may be exploited as pest control methods. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a team to develop vibrational signals into stimuli for novel behavior-based Integrated Pest Management tools and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. This position will be stationed at the USDA-APHIS Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML) located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, working closely with Dr. Miriam Cooperband at USDA-APHIS, in collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Hamel at Elon University and Dr. Rodrigo Krugner at USDA-ARS. Most work would occur at FPML, but the successful candidate would also travel to Elon University up to twice a year for field work and opportunities related to an academic setting. This position will support the training and development of a researcher with interests in insect communication and applied research. The successful candidate would work among a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians at the USDA APHIS PPQ FPML, gain experience investigating practical, real-world entomological problems involving important invasive species of insects, within a biosecure facility and in the field, and would also have opportunities to gain faculty- and student-facing experiences in an academic setting when visiting Elon University. Annual salary of $84,579 (Doctoral degree) or $69,905 (Master's degree). This 12-month appointment has the possibility of renewal for up to three years. Special Instructions to Applicants: First deadline to apply is October 18, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. To Apply: To apply, visit: https://jobs.elon.edu/jobs/research-associate-in-insect-vibrational-communication-off-campus-north-carolina-united-states . Organization Elon University is a private university located in Elon, North Carolina. Elon has built a national reputation as the premier student-centered environment for experiential learning, with an emphasis on strong personal relationships between students and their faculty and staff mentors. Elon is ranked among the top 100 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, with a #1 ranking for excellence in undergraduate teaching and #6 for innovation. About 6,300 undergraduate and 800 graduate students come to Elon from 49 states and 50 other countries. Elon's rigorous curriculum is grounded in the arts and sciences and complemented by nationally accredited professional and graduate programs. The 480 full-time faculty members teach in more than 70 undergraduate majors, along with numerous graduate programs in business, education, communications, health sciences and law. The university includes Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; the School of Health Sciences; and Elon University School of Law, which is located on a campus in downtown Greensboro, N.C. Global engagement is central to Elon's student experience and the university is consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation for study abroad. In addition, 81 percent of students participate in service-learning, 87 percent of students complete internships, 59 percent of students hold at least one campus leadership position and 23 percent of students work with faculty mentors on undergraduate research projects. Elon is a member of the Colonial Athletics Association and the Phoenix athletics program includes 17 intercollegiate men's and women's sports in NCAA Division I (FCS football). Elon also offers extensive opportunities in club sports and intramurals. Elon's historic 690-acre campus in central North Carolina is designated as a botanical garden and includes the 56-acre Elon University Forest, a land preserve and natural area for scientific research; and Loy Farm, a center for environmental research and sustainability that includes a solar farm.