The Grab Lab in the Department of Entomology at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to work on the spatial ecology of beneficial insects in agroecosystems. The successful candidate will design and conduct projects at the intersection of data science and agroecology working with an interdisciplinary team including USDA-ARS scientist, Sarah Goslee and the Director of the Penn State Center for Pollinator Research, Christina Grozinger. The postdoc will have additional opportunities for cross disciplinary interactions with faculty from other units and vibrant community of graduate students and undergraduates. Candidates with experience in spatial modeling and analysis are especially encouraged to apply.
Duties and responsibilities
- Support the development of web applications for accessing and visualizing spatial data in R Shiny.
- Design and conduct research examining the spatial distribution of ecosystem services
- Present research findings at national and regional meetings
- Write peer-reviewed scientific journal article(s) summarizing findings
This position will be located at Penn State in University Park, Pennsylvania with potential for remote work.
Minimum qualifications
- Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Ecology, Entomology, Data Science or a related field and be able to provide evidence that all requirements have been met for completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire.
- Programming experience in R, Python, or related languages.
- Familiarity with web app development and deployment using Shiny.
- Proficiency in GIS, spatial analysis, and management of geographic data.
This is a term position funded for one year from date of hire with an excellent possibility of re-funding. The initial appointment term will be for 1 year with an additional year based on funding, satisfactory performance, and adherence to University policies.
Preferred qualifications:
- Familiarity with plant and insect ecology.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and with diverse teams of researchers.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully and efficiently complete research projects and write peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Application Information:
Interested candidates should include a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for 2-3 professional references. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2024, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preferred start date: January 1, 2025. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Heather Grab, email heathergrab@psu.edu.
