"Postdoctoral Researcher - Plant-Pollinator Ecology"

Job Summary

A postdoctoral position in plant-pollinator ecology is available, supported by an extramural grant awarded to Central State University and the Land Institute (Kansas). The postdoc would lead a USDA - NIFA funded project investigating how specific plant-pollinator interaction patterns contribute to short- term plant productivity (seed set) and pollinator vigor (honey production). The researcher will support the daily tasks of fieldwork and manage experiments as well as data collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting. The candidate will also support CSU extension activities, collaboration with project partners, project administration and supervision of students and technicians.

A candidate is sought with strong experience in field research, data collection and management, analytical and writing skills to co-lead publications based on data to be generated over the course of the project on plant-pollinator interactions, agricultural productivity and profit analysis.

The position can begin as soon as June 1, 2024 and will be based at CSU’s main campus in Wilberforce Ohio. The initial appointment is one year, with the potential for extensions up to 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Lead various research activities and experiments related to an USDA -funded project and work within the project team of faculty, scientists, technicians and students
• Coordinate and lead field and lab experiments, data collection and management on crop production, statistical and economic analysis of oilseed and honey population in mixed agricultural trials
• Study crop-pollinator dynamics; pollinator behavior as related to crop phenotype
• Mentor students in the field and help to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity, exploration, learning, and constructive feedback
• Leverage and continue to develop excellent scientific and communication skills, including effective data processing and writing
• Produce scholarly manuscripts resulting from experimental work. Publication of results in quality peer-reviewed scientific journals is also expected. The selected candidates will be encouraged to take on leadership roles, including mentoring students and personnel, as well as communicating results to stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in Agriculture, Biology, Ecology, Entomology, Plant Science, or related field from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent institution abroad, preferably completed within the past 3 years
• Experience with field research and quantitative methods in ecology or biology
• Record of (multi-author) scholarly publications
• Commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the sciences
• Prior experience supervising undergraduate and/or graduate students
• The selected individual must be authorized to work in the United States and be in possession of a valid U.S. Driver’s license at the time of appointment. Central State University does not have a H-1B program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with pollinators
• Teaching experience

Posting Date: 03/27/2024

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants: The initial assignment is one year, with the potential for extensions based on funding and job performance. The position will include a full-time benefits package.

Position Category: Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary: Commensurate with experience