Job Title: Stink Bug Ecology and Management Postdoctoral Research Associate
Penn State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to participate in a multidisciplinary, multi-state effort focused on ecologically based management of brown marmorated stink bug (www.stopbmsb.org). The work at Penn State will focus on aspects of host-plant- and natural- enemy-mediated interactions of stink bugs in solanaceous and legume crops, as well as host- plant choice of this highly polyphagous pest. The position will be housed at the University Park campus, in the Department of Entomology, University Park, Pennsylvania. We seek a highly motivated scientist to conduct and supervise field and laboratory studies to advance ecologically guided management of brown marmorated stink bug in diverse agroecosystems. Field studies will include landscape and farm management analyses influencing stink bug distribution, crop damage, and predation/parasitism by natural enemies. Laboratory studies will help elucidate plant-mediated mechanisms governing host choice, crop damage patterns, and plant physiological responses to bug attack. Additional collaboration will involve Extension educational efforts, and participation in studies that enable economic evaluations. The successful candidate will work well with personnel in diverse labs that advance: 1) IPM in vegetable and field crops through studies in applied ecology and Extension Educational programs; and 2) the capacity for plant breeding to mitigate damage from stink bugs. The position requires a Ph.D. in Entomology or Ecology, and knowledge of agricultural systems. Knowledge of chemical ecology, landscape or statistical analyses, analytical chemistry, gene expression, and protein chemistry will be of value for competing for this position. The position requires field work, including a drivers license and overnight travel, and laboratory work measuring salivary proteins, insect behavior, and host-plant defense chemistry. The candidate must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and demonstrate evidence of effective writing through peer-reviewed publications. This is a full-time, appointment available for one year with the opportunity for renewal contingent on availability of federal funds. Start date is late winter or early spring of 2013. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and examples of publications via email at, to Shelby Fleischer (s...@psu.edu) and John Tooker (too...@psu.edu) Department of Entomology, 501 ASI Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
