"Post-Doctoral Associate"

About the Job

Appointment Date: 1/1/2026 – 12/31/2026

Annual Salary Range: $61,008 - $63,000

This is a full-time (100%), 12-month Post-Doctoral Associate position working with Assistant Professor Fei Yang. The annual salary range is $61,008 - $63,000, plus fringe benefits, and can be negotiated based on experience. The initial appointment is for one year, and the position can be renewed for up to three years based on performance.

Major Areas of Accountability:

The Corn Entomology lab at the Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research on the sustainable management of insect pests affecting both field corn and sweet corn. This position will be based on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota. Primary responsibilities include conduct large-scale F₂ screening for corn insect pest across North America; carry out field insect collections, as well as field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies focused on applied ecology, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Insect Resistance Management (IRM) for lepidopteran and coleopteran pests, and other duties to be determined by your direct supervisor (60%). The selected applicant will provide support in research and writing proposals for extramural funding in IPM and IRM research and writing peer-reviewed publications (20%). He/she will also develop and maintain different susceptible and resistant insect colonies (15%) and help lab management and mentor graduate and undergraduate students (5%).

Qualifications

Required

• Education - Ph.D. or equivalent degree in entomology or a closely related discipline (to be completed by Dec 31, 2025).
• Understanding of integrated pest management for corn insect pests from both above-ground and below-ground.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research in insect biology, ecology and insect resistance management.
• Conscience etiquette for working chemical safety.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven record of peer-reviewed publications and presentation of research.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other researchers and practitioners.

Preferred

• Preferred expertise in integrated pest management, insect resistance, modeling, and population genetics
• Experience in rearing and handling lepidopteran and coleopteran insects.
• Experience in conducting lab diet bioassays for Bt proteins and insecticides.
• Experience in designing and conducting open field experiments for field crops.
• A strong background in research design, and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated success or potential in grant writing for support of their research.

About the Department

The Department of Entomology in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is located on the St Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. It is composed of 16 faculty and 40 staff engaged in research, teaching, and extension related to biodiversity and systematics, ecology, physiology, neurobiology, and functional genomics of diverse insects and other invertebrates, including pollinators, mosquitoes and ticks, and management of pests in residential, commercial/industrial, agricultural, forested, and urban landscapes.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $61,008 - $63,000 annually: depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.