[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Researcher: Penn State Sustainable Dairy Cropping Systems

2017-03-08 Thread John Tooker
Postdoctoral Researcher: Sustainable Dairy Cropping Systems, The Pennsylvania 
State 
University, University Park, PA.  We seek a postdoctoral research associate to 
join a multi-
disciplinary team of Penn State and USDA-ARS scientists studying sustainable 
dairy forage 
and feed production systems at University Park, PA. Since 2010, we have been 
investigating a range of cropping system aspects including: agronomics; 
nutrient 
management; weed, slug, and insect control; soil and water quality; and 
economics with 
the goals of optimizing farm productivity while conserving nutrients, soil, 
energy, and off-
farm inputs, and minimizing pest populations and greenhouse gas emissions. For 
a project 
description, see: http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/areas/crop-ecology-and-
management/cropping-systems The postdoctoral researcher will be actively 
engaged in 
most aspects of the research and will coordinate daily research activities, 
data 
management, and multi-criteria systems analysis in conjunction with the project 
management team. He/she will also have the opportunity to lead research on a 
specific 
aspect of the funded project. The initial appointment will be for one year, 
with the 
opportunity for renewal. Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in agronomy, 
agroecology, plant or ecosystem science, soil science, weed science, 
entomology, or 
related fields. Applicants must submit a cover letter,C.V., transcripts, a 
statement of 
research interests, and list of references.  Review of applications will begin 
March 27, 2017 
and continue until a suitable candidate has been identified. For further 
information contact 
Dr. Heather Karsten, Dept. of Plant Science, h...@psu.edu.  Apply online at 
https://psu.jobs/job/69587

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to 
review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime 
statistics and 
other safety and security matters, please go to  
http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which 
will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual 
Security 
Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is 
committed to 
providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard 
to race, 
color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national 
origin, disability or 
protected veteran status.


[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor of Toxicology

2017-02-28 Thread John Tooker
Assistant Professor of Toxicology
9- month, Tenure Track, 75% Research, 25% Teaching

We are seeking a collaborative and innovative scientist who investigates 
ecotoxicology, 
environmental toxicology, evolution of resistance, toxicological effects on 
beneficial or 
other non-target arthropods (lethal and sublethal effects), and/or molecular, 
physiological, 
or chemical mechanisms of toxicity and detoxification. Research interests can 
include 
emerging environmental contaminants or toxicology of insect-resistant crops. 
The 
candidate is expected to develop an independent research program with external 
funding. 
In addition to conducting research, other responsibilities include teaching an 
undergraduate course, developing a graduate course in the candidate’s specialty 
area, and 
advising graduate students. The successful candidate will be an active 
participant in the 
department, the college, and may participate in the Center for Chemical 
Ecology, the 
Environmental and Natural Resource Institute, Institute of Ecology, Center for 
Pollinator 
Research, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Center for 
Watershed 
Stewardship, and the Intercollege Graduate Programs in Ecology, and Molecular 
Cellular 
and Integrative Biosciences.

Location will be in the Department of Entomology, College of Agricultural 
Sciences, The 
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802.

Qualifications: Ph.D. in toxicology, entomology, ecology, biology, chemistry or 
a related 
scientific discipline with demonstrated accomplishments in research relevant to 
the job 
description. Expertise may include chemistry, insect physiology, molecular 
biology and/or 
regulatory policy. The candidate should have peer-reviewed publications, 
demonstrated 
skill in securing grants or strong potential to secure extramural funding, and 
evidence of 
interdisciplinary collaborations. Ph.D. must be complete at time of appointment.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. An excellent 
benefits 
package and a competitive startup package will be provided. Review of 
applications will 
begin March 30, 2017 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. 
Starting date- 
August 1, 2017 or as negotiated. Applications must include a letter of interest 
that 
describes research, teaching, and any undergraduate/graduate mentoring 
experience, 
along with a CV and the names of three references who may be contacted for 
letters of 
recommendation. Inquiries are welcome and can be addressed to Gary Felton 
(gw...@psu.edu) or Kelli Hoover, Professor of Entomology and Chair of the 
Search 
Committee (kx...@psu.edu).

Applicants must apply online https://psu.jobs/job/69492


[ECOLOG-L] Open position: Arthropod Vectors of Vertebrate Diseases

2016-08-12 Thread John Tooker
Assistant Professor of Entomology: Arthropod Vectors of Vertebrate Diseases

STARTING DATE:  January 1, 2017 or as negotiated

LOCATION: Department of Entomology
College of Agricultural Sciences
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802

As part of Penn State's continuing dedication to develop excellence in the area 
of infectious disease 
dynamics, we seek to strengthen the Department of Entomology with a scientist 
whose program is 
focused on arthropods and vertebrate diseases.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  We expect the candidate to develop a research program 
focused on the ecology 
and biology of arthropods affecting animal and public health, and advance our 
understanding of 
extant and emerging pests and vectors associated with zoonotic diseases 
relevant to Pennsylvania, 
Northeast Regional, National and International stakeholders. In addition to 
graduate student advising, 
the candidate will acquire and maintain extramural funding to support research 
and outreach 
programs.  As a member of the Extension Animal System(s) State Team, the 
individual will participate 
in the identification of educational program needs, develop educational events 
and materials to 
support programs and participate in evaluations to measure the program and 
team’s success.  
Specifically, the candidate will create and maintain a statewide and regional 
education program in 
arthropods affecting domesticated animals and wildlife that includes pests such 
as ticks, mosquitoes, 
bed bugs, flies, etc. Interactions with Penn State Extension and faculty and 
staff of the Department of 
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and the Animal Diagnostic Laboratory is 
strongly expected and the 
candidate is expected to lead a statewide program team to facilitate advances 
in domesticated and 
wildlife animal entomology to meet future societal needs.  Additional 
responsibilities include 
engagement in appropriate interdisciplinary activities within and outside the 
Department, including in 
the Center for Molecular Immunology and Infectious Diseases and/or the Center 
for Infectious Disease 
Dynamics.  Candidates may have access to Penn State’s Pell laboratory, which is 
a modern BSL-3 
facility that features both insect and laboratory animal capabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Ph.D. in entomology, ecology, biology, or related scientific 
discipline with 
demonstrated accomplishments in research relevant to vertebrate pests or 
vectors. Expertise in those 
areas that will complement existing departmental strengths in IPM, chemical 
ecology, vector biology, 
genomics or disease ecology is desired. Candidates must demonstrate an interest 
in advancing 
modern and diverse pest management technologies in domesticated animal and 
wildlife entomology, 
and the delivery of information to diverse audiences with traditional and 
information-technology 
methods. Requires competence and comfort in working with multiple stakeholders 
involved directly in 
management of these systems.  The ability to engage professionally with a 
diverse population of 
faculty, staff, and students across the university is required.  

SALARY:  Commensurate with qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits 
package is 
provided. 

Review of applications will begin on October 7, 2016. Applications received 
before October 1, 2016 
will be included in the search committee’s original screening. Applications 
will be received until the 
position is filled. 

Applicants should upload a letter of application, names and addresses of three 
professional 
references, curriculum vitae, statement of research and extension interests and 
official transcripts. 
Questions can be directed to: 

Dr. Gary W. Felton, Head
Department of Entomology
The Pennsylvania State University
501 Agricultural Sciences and Industries Bldg.
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 863-7789
gw...@psu.edu 


[ECOLOG-L] Graduate assistantship: ecological pest management

2016-07-31 Thread John Tooker
MS or PhD Graduate Assistantship available in The Department of Entomology at 
The Pennsylvania 
State University (University Park, PA) to study sustainable, ecologically based 
crop production and its 
influence on invertebrate pest and natural enemy populations. In a new 
collaborative, USDA-funded, 
research project, we are testing hypotheses to help explain, and then minimize, 
pest outbreaks in 
diversified vegetable production systems. We are seeking a bright, motivated 
graduate student ideally 
to begin in January 2017. Interested candidates should send an email describing 
their past experience 
and their motivation for pursuing a graduate degree, along with a single file 
containing a resume/CV 
(including GPA and GRE scores), college transcripts (unofficial ok), and the 
names and contact 
information for 2-3 references to John Tooker (too...@psu.edu). Details on our 
lab group can be 
found here:  http://ento.psu.edu/research/labs/john-tooker


[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. student positions available in the Schilder Lab

2015-12-13 Thread John Tooker
The Schilder lab in the Department of Entomology at Penn State University is 
seeking highly motivated 
Ph.D. students to work on an NSF funded project entitled: “Ecophysiology of a 
host-parasite 
interaction causing metabolic disease”.  This project concerns the interactions 
of a protozoan 
(gregarine) parasite and its Libellula pulchella (12-spotted skimmer) dragonfly 
host at local ponds that 
differ dramatically in water quality and infection rates, and will link ecology 
and behavior with 
experimental physiology (in the lab and field) whilst taking advantage of new 
genomics & 
transcriptomics resources in the L. pulchella system.  Given the highly 
integrative nature of this 
project, this is an great opportunity to receive broad, multi-disciplinary 
training.  In addition, there are 
plenty of opportunities to developing collaborations with excellent faculty in 
our Department and 
across Penn State’s campus. 

If interested, please contact Ruud Schilder directly at rjs...@psu.edu about 
project details and Ph.D. 
program application procedures as there are multiple programs through which 
students can apply.
Please see our lab website for more information on this, and other projects:

http://www.personal.psu.edu/rjs360/dragonfly_ecophysiology.html

--
Ruud Schilder
Assistant Professor of Entomology & Biology
510 ASI Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-867-6279


[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor, Invertebrate Crop Pest Scientist, Oregon State Univ.

2015-10-16 Thread John Tooker
Assistant Professor - Invertebrate Crop Pest Scientist, Oregon State University

The Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University invites 
applications for a
tenure-track position focused on mollusk pests. This is a 9-month, full-time 
position with a 75%
Research and 25% Extension split.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally 
recognized,
externally funded program that will include innovative applied research of 
specific need and
clientele interest in management of terrestrial mollusk pests in western Oregon 
crops.
Novel/outside-the-box research in areas including, but not limited to, 
biological control,
modifications of crop production practices or rotations, and RNAi are 
encouraged. The appointee
will be expected to participate actively in graduate education, publish 
research findings in peer-
reviewed journals, and transfer information to industry audiences through 
extension publications
and presentations at grower meetings and field days

Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Protection, 
Integrative
Biology, Zoology or closely related field, and experience in applied research 
that is transferable
to terrestrial cropping systems.

Application: Position details available at: http://oregonstate.edu/jobs. 
Posting # 0016319.
Submit a curriculum-vita including contact information for three references, a 
cover letter
indicating how your qualifications and experiences have prepared you for this 
position, and a
personal statement related to diversity and inclusion. To ensure full 
consideration, submit your
application by November 30, 2015.

Information about terrestrial mollusk pests in western Oregon crops available 
at:
http://cropandsoil.oregonstate.edu/node/14477. 

For questions related to the position, contact Search Committee Chair, Prof. 
Sujaya Rao, at: 
suj...@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-9038.

Oregon State University (OSU) is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity 
employer and
commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all 
activities. OSU
particularly encourages applications from members of historically 
underrepresented racial/ethnic
groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community 
members, and others
who demonstrate the ability to help achieve the vision of a diverse and 
inclusive community.
OSU has a practice of being responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.


[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor of Entomology, Managed Pollinator Biology, Health and Ecology

2015-06-04 Thread John Tooker
Assistant Professor of Entomology
Managed Pollinator Biology, Health and Ecology
9- month, tenure track, 60% Research, 40% Extension
 
STARTING DATE:  January 1, 2016
LOCATION:
 
Department of Entomology
Center for Pollinator Research
College of Agricultural Sciences
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:  The research focus of this position will focus on 
investigations into the biology, 
ecology, and health of managed pollinators.  The successful candidate is 
expected to conduct 
innovative research and extension on managed pollinators, advise graduate 
students, and secure 
extramural funding to support research and outreach programs. 
 
QUALIFICATIONS:  Ph.D. in entomology, ecology, or related sciences with 
demonstrated 
accomplishments in research relevant to managed pollinators. Prior experience 
in extension related 
activities would be an advantage. Expertise in areas that complement existing 
departmental strengths 
in pollinator research, IPM, chemical ecology, genomics or disease ecology is 
desired.  Extension 
responsibilities will include working with stakeholders on the management of 
pollinators and delivery 
of information to diverse audiences with traditional and information-technology 
methods. 
Participation in the Horticulture Extension team is expected. Requires 
competence and comfort in 
working with multiple stakeholders involved directly in pollinator management. 
The successful 
candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the diversity 
faculty and stakeholders 
associated with the Penn State Center for Pollinator Research. An ability to 
relate to a diverse 
population of faculty, staff, and students is required.
 
SALARY:  Commensurate with qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits 
package is 
provided.
 
APPLICATION:   Apply online at http://www.psu.jobs.  Applications received by 
August 31, 2015 will 
receive full consideration, though review will continue until the position is 
filled.   Candidates will 
need to provide a curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts, statements of 
teaching and research 
experiences and interests, up to three relevant publications, and a list of 
references.   Employment 
will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with 
University policies.  
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is 
committed to providing 
employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, 
and other protected 
groups.


[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Research Associate at Penn State

2015-06-01 Thread John Tooker
We seek a postdoctoral research associate to join a multi-disciplinary team of 
Penn State and USDA-
ARS scientists studying sustainable dairy forage and feed production systems at 
University Park, PA. 
Since 2010, we have been investigating a range of cropping system aspects 
including: agronomics; 
nutrient management; weed, slug, and insect control; soil and water quality; 
and economics with the 
goals of optimizing farm productivity while conserving nutrients, soil, energy, 
and off-farm inputs, 
and minimizing pest populations and greenhouse gas emissions. For a project 
description, see: 
http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/areas/crop-ecology-and-management/cropping-systems
 The 
post-doctoral researcher will be actively engaged in most aspects of the 
research and will coordinate 
daily research activities, data management, and multi-criteria systems analysis 
in conjunction with the 
project management team. He/she will also have the opportunity to lead research 
on a specific aspect 
of the funded project. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the 
opportunity for renewal 
contingent on the availability of funding.  Applicants must have completed a 
Ph.D. in agronomy, 
agroecology, plant or ecosystem science, soil science, weed science, 
entomology, or related fields. 
Applicants must apply online and submit a cover letter, C.V., transcripts, a 
statement of research 
interests, and list of references. Applicant materials will be accepted until 
June 22, 2015 or until the 
position is filled. For further information contact Dr. Heather Karsten, Dept. 
of Plant Science, 
h...@psu.edu. Must possess a valid driver's license and use of a private 
automobile. Since this 
position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as part of your job duties, 
successful completion of 
a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard 
background checks.  Apply 
online at https://psu.jobs/job/57857

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to 
review the Annual 
Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other 
safety and security 
matters, please go to  http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also 
provide you with detail on 
how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is 
committed to providing 
employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, 
color, religion, age, sex, 
sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected 
veteran status.


[ECOLOG-L] postdoctoral research in behavioral ecology, plant-insect interactions

2014-06-05 Thread John Tooker
The laboratories of Drs. Mark Mescher, John Tooker, and Consuelo De Moraes in 
the Department of 
Entomology at The Pennsylvania State University have an opening for a 
Postdoctoral Research 
Associate to conduct research on insect behavioral ecology and plant-insect 
interactions, with a focus 
on chemical communication. This research will build on recent discoveries 
regarding plant responses 
to insect pheromones. The selected candidate will develop an independent 
research project 
addressing the reproductive ecology of specialist insect herbivores in native 
goldenrod (Solidago spp.) 
communities, with a focus of understanding the reciprocal influences of insect 
reproductive behavior 
and plant-insect interactions via laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies.

Qualifications: We seek a highly motivated and intellectually independent 
scientist with a strong 
record of prior accomplishment in a relevant field of research. Project details 
may be tailored to fit the 
skills and interests of the selected candidate, but strong applicants will have 
relevant expertise and 
experience in one or more of the following areas: insect behavioral ecology, 
sociobiology, mating-
system evolution, gall-insect biology, chemical ecology, pheromonal signaling, 
plant olfaction. 
Candidates should possess a PhD in a relevant life science discipline. The 
position will require field 
work and overnight travel. The selected candidate should possess excellent 
communication and 
organizational skills and demonstrate evidence of effective writing through 
peer-reviewed 
publications.  This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as part 
of your job duties.  A 
valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records 
check will be required in 
addition to standard background checks.  Expected start date is Summer or Fall 
of 2014. 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to 
review the Annual 
Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other 
safety and security 
matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/ , which will also 
provide you with detail on 
how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.  Apply at 
https://app2.ohr.psu.edu/Jobs/External/EVMS2_External/currentap1.cfm#51699

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is 
committed to providing 
employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, 
and other protected 
groups.




[ECOLOG-L] PhD Agronomy Graduate Assistantship on Cover Crop Management

2014-04-11 Thread John Tooker
PhD Agronomy Graduate Assistantship on Cover Crop Management is available 
starting 2014/2015 at 
The Pennsylvania State University to study cover crop termination in no-till 
cropping systems for pest 
management, improved soil health and subsequent crop establishment. The 
assistantship funds an 
interdisciplinary research project that will examine how cover crop termination 
practices influence 
slug and insect pests; soil conditions for corn and soybean seed placement and 
establishment; and 
weed competition.  The project is linked to a larger NESARE Sustainable Dairy 
Cropping Systems 
project and the student will have the opportunity to interact with a diverse 
group of researchers and 
graduate students. For more information about the NESARE Sustainable Dairy 
Cropping Systems 
project see: 
http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/areas/crop-ecology-and-management/cropping-
systems

For more information about the assistantship contact Dr. Heather Karsten, 
Department of Plant 
Science (h...@psu.edu; 814-863-3179) or Dr. John Tooker, Department of 
Entomology 
(too...@psu.edu; 814-865-7082) or Dr. William Curran,Dept. of Plant Science 
(w...@psu.edu; 814-
863-1014). For more information about the Penn State Agronomy graduate program 
and to apply see: 
http://plantscience.psu.edu/graduateprograms/agronomy


[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral researcher in ecological pest management

2013-12-04 Thread John Tooker
The Department of Entomology at Penn State University is looking for a 
Postdoctoral Research 
Associate to participate in an EPA-funded project exploring the role of cover 
crops and insecticidal 
seed treatments for managing populations of invertebrate pests. The work at 
Penn State will be a 
collaborative effort with local growers and extension personnel, focusing on 
developing control 
options that balance the threat from insects and slugs, the latter of which are 
among the most 
challenging pests faced by no-till growers in the Mid-Atlantic region. 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 slugs in no-till agroecosystems. Field 
studies will primarily occur 
on farms of progressive, no-till growers committed to diverse rotations and 
cover crops. Research will 
build on our current work on insecticidal treatments and biological control of 
slugs, and the influence 
of cover crops on slugs. Additional collaboration will involve Extension 
educational efforts. The 
successful candidate will work well with personnel to advance IPM in field 
crops through studies in 
applied ecology and Extension Educational programs.

Qualifications: Ph.D. in Entomology, Ecology, and knowledge of agricultural 
systems. Knowledge of 
natural enemy ecology, biological control, cropping systems, and/or chemical 
ecology, will be of value 
for competing for this position. The position requires field work, including a 
driver’s license and 
overnight travel, and laboratory working with invertebrates in mesocosm 
studies. The candidate must 
possess excellent communication and organizational skills and demonstrate 
evidence of effective 
writing through peer-reviewed publications.

Appointment: This is a full-time, one year, fixed term appointment, with 
opportunity for renewal for 
at least on additional year contingent on progress and availability of federal 
funds. Expected start 
date is early spring of 2014.

Application: Send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, contact information 
for three references, and 
examples of publications via email to John Tooker (too...@psu.edu) Department 
of Entomology, 501 
ASI Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802. 
Review of applications will 
begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment will 
require successful 
completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This 
position requires that 
you operate a motor vehicle as part of your job duties. A valid driver`s 
license and successful 
completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to 
standard background 
check.


[ECOLOG-L] Pennsylvania State University- M.S. Graduate Assistantship

2013-10-24 Thread John Tooker
A research assistantship is available for a M.S. student interested in 
investigating greenhouse gas 
emissions and soil carbon dynamics within a sustainable dairy forage cropping 
system, beginning in 
the Spring or Fall 2014 semesters.  The objective of the project is to 
determine if reduced nitrogen 
fertilizer additions, in response to innovative crop rotations and manure 
management, result in 
reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased soil carbon sequestration.  The 
research will 
primarily focus on field measurements and laboratory analysis. The student will 
work jointly with the 
Penn State University College of Agriculture Sciences and the USDA-Agricultural 
Research Service at 
University Park, PA. The assistantship is a half-time appointment with full 
tuition compensation. A 
description of the sustainable dairy forage cropping system project is 
available at: 
http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/areas/crop-ecology-and-management/cropping-systems

Applications should have a BS in an agricultural, environmental, life, or 
physical science field. 
Interested applicants should contact Dr. Curtis Dell (curtis.d...@ars.usda.gov, 
814-863-0984), Dr. 
Heather Karsten (h...@psu.edu, 814-863-3179), or Dr. Doug Beegle (d...@psu.edu, 
814-863-
1016). Application materials for the Penn State graduate program in Soil 
Science or Agronomy are 
available at 
http://ecosystems.psu.edu/graduateprograms/soil-science/masters/procedures-for-
admission and 
http://plantscience.psu.edu/graduateprograms/agronomy/masters/procedures-for-
admission.


[ECOLOG-L] MS Assistantship available at Penn State

2013-09-11 Thread John Tooker
MS Graduate Assistantship available in Entomology at The Pennsylvania State 
University (University 
Park, PA) to study sustainable, ecologically based cropping systems and their 
influence on 
invertebrate pest and natural enemy populations. We are designing 
cropping-system practices to 
minimize pest populations, conserve nutrients, soil, energy, and off-farm 
inputs. The cropping 
systems were initiated in 2010 by an interdisciplinary team of Penn State and 
USDA-ARS scientists.  
See our website for further information 
(http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/areas/crop-ecology-
and-management/cropping-systems).  We are seeking graduate applicants for 
Spring or Fall 2014. 
For more information, contact: Dr. John Tooker, Department of Entomology 
(too...@psu.edu; 814-
865-7082) or Dr. Heather Karsten, Department of Plant Sciences (h...@psu.edu; 
814-863-3179).


[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Research Associate

2012-12-01 Thread John Tooker
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Integrated Crop Pollination and Pest 
Management

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to 
participate in a 
multidisciplinary, multi-state effort focused on developing resilient and 
sustainable crop 
pollination with wild bees (www.icpbees. org). The work at Penn State will be 
focused in pumpkin 
fields and apple orchards.  The position will be housed at the University Park 
campus, in the 
Department of Entomology, University Park, Pennsylvania.  Work will also occur 
from the Fruit 
Research and Extension Center, Biglerville, Pennsylvania, about a 3 hour drive 
from University Park, 
and a center of tree fruit production in the state and the region.  Commercial 
field settings are 
typically comprised of diverse high-value horticultural cropping systems, 
nested in forested or 
urbanizing landscape with significant elevation relief.

We seek a highly motivated scientist to conduct and supervise studies that 
define the community 
composition and abundance of bees in pumpkin and apple crops in Pennsylvania, 
and the value of 
wild bees for providing pollination services in these crops.  Studies will also 
evaluate effects of 
landscape, habitat manipulation, and supplementation with managed bees on bee 
abundance and 
pollination services.  The candidate will collaborate on estimating nest 
density with trapping 
studies and with molecular methods for social species.  Additional 
collaboration will involve 
Extension educational efforts, including developing an Integrated Crop 
Pollination demonstration 
site for apples, and participation in studies that enable economic evaluations. 
The successful 
candidate will work well with personnel in labs that advance IPM in vegetable 
and orchard crops 
through studies in applied ecology and Extension Educational programs with a 
wide range of pest 
and beneficial arthropod species.

The position requires a Ph.D. in Entomology or Ecology, and knowledge of 
agricultural systems.  
Knowledge of bee biology and identification, pollination biology, landscape and 
statistical analyses, 
immunoassays, and molecular tools used for haplotyping, will be of value for 
competing for this 
position.   The position requires a valid driver’s license, extensive field 
work, including early-
morning hours, and overnight travel during pollination seasons for apples 
(April and early May) and 
pumpkins (mid-July through August).  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 s...@psu.edu, to 
Shelby Fleischer, 
Department of Entomology, 501 ASI Building, The Pennsylvania State University, 
University Park, PA 
16802. Also send a second copy via email at djb...@psu.edu, to David Biddinger, 
Fruit Research 
and Extension Center, P.O. Box 330, 290 University Dr. Biglerville, PA 17307.  
Employment will 
require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with 
University policies.


Penn State is committed to equal opportunity, affirmative action and the 
diversity of its workforce.


[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Announcement

2012-11-29 Thread John Tooker
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 driver’s 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.


[ECOLOG-L] Assistantships in sustainable agriculture at Penn State

2009-09-14 Thread John Tooker
An assistantship for a Masters student in HORTICULTURE or ECOLOGY is
available for 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 at The Pennsylvania State
University to study sustainable cropping systems based on ecological
principles with special emphasis on mycorrhizal fungi.  The degree can
be awarded in either Horticulture or Ecology, and the student will
have the opportunity to interact with a diversity of researchers, a
postdoc, and other graduate students in Horticulture, Crop and Soil
Sciences, Entomology, The Rodale Institute, and the US Department of
Agriculture.  Cropping-system practices are being designed to minimize
pest populations, conserve nutrients, soil, energy, and off-farm
inputs.  For more information, contact: Dr. Roger Koide
(rx...@psu.edu), Department of Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State
University, University Park, PA 16802.


Assistantships for an MS or PhD Graduate degrees are available in
AGRONOMY and SOIL SCIENCE at The Pennsylvania State University to
study sustainable cropping systems based on ecological principles.
Cropping-system practices are being designed to minimize pest
populations, conserve nutrients, soil, energy, and off-farm inputs. A
recently funded 3-year project with a team of Penn State and USDA-ARS
scientists, is seeking graduate applicants for 2009/2010 (even though
it is late in the application process) and for 2010/2011. For more
information, contact: Dr. Heather Karsten or Dr. Douglas Beegle,
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (h...@psu.edu; 814-863-3179;
d...@psu.edu).


[ECOLOG-L] Graduate assistantships in sustainable cropping systems

2009-04-06 Thread John Tooker
MS or PhD Graduate Assistantships available in Agronomy, Entomology,
and Soil Science at The Pennsylvania State University to study
sustainable cropping systems based on ecological principles.
Cropping-system practices are being designed to minimize pest
populations, conserve nutrients, soil, energy, and off-farm inputs. A
recently funded 3-year project with a team of Penn State and USDA-ARS
scientists, is seeking graduate applicants for 2009/2010 (even though
it is late in the application process) and for 2010/2011. For more
information, contact: Dr. Heather Karsten or Dr. Douglas Beegle,
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (h...@psu.edu; 814-863-3179;
d...@psu.edu); or Dr. John Tooker, Department of Entomology
(too...@psu.edu; 814-865-7082).


John F. Tooker
Assistant Professor
Center for Chemical Ecology/
Department of Entomology
Pennsylvania State University
501 ASI Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7082