IUSSI-NAS

The Sun Lab at Louisiana State University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for an NSF-funded project focused on the plasticity of desiccation resistance in subterranean termites. This research will involve analyzing cuticular hydrocarbons and other physiological traits, and utilizing molecular biology tools such as RNA-Seq and RNAi to determine the acclimation capacity for desiccation resistance and the underlying mechanisms in different termite species. Some objectives of the work will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Henry Chung (Michigan State University) and Dr. Thomas Chouvenc (University of Florida). The candidate is also expected to mentor undergraduate students and participate in outreach activities.

Contact Dr. Qian “Karen” Sun (qsun@agcenter.lsu.edu) with questions and see jobs tab for more info.

We are hiring two Postdoctoral Researchers.

1. Pollinator Ecology – A postdoctoral position in plant-pollinator ecology is available, supported by an extramural grant awarded to CSU 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).

2. Bee Functional Genomics and Behavior – focus on functional genomics/epigenomics/physiology underlying the social behavior of honey bees. This is a Land-Grant supported project for up to 3-yrs of funding.

Questions can be sent to hli-byarlay@centralstate.edu

See Jobs tab for more information

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic Ph.D. student with experience in honey bee virus research. We invite applications with relevant research experience who are passionate about conducting research and innovation activities on the project titled: “From genes to queens: a systemic approach to improve bee resistance.” The successful candidate will investigate the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in honey bee viral infection dynamics and characterize the variation in honey bee responses to viral infections, aiming to identify genetic markers for virus resistance.

Additionally, the successful candidate will collaborate with professional honey bee queen producers in Mississippi to help select and reduce viral infections in commercial queen-producing operations. This work will be done in collaboration with Drs. Michael Simone-Finstrom, Arian Avalos, and Michael Goblirsch at the USDA-ARS in Baton Rouge, LA, and Poplarville, MS. Therefore, the successful candidate will have access to gain skills and expand their network with them.

Contact for additional information:

Dr. Esmaeil Amiri, Mississippi State University, ea795@msstate.edu

We are inviting applications for a graduate position (MS)at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville, Texas to participate in characterizing floral resources used by pollinators in Tamaulipan thornscrub. The appointment will begin Fall semester 2024.

Interested applicants should send to Dr. Alejandro Fierro(alejandro.fierrocabo@utrgv.edu) and Dr. Julie Mustard (julie.mustard@utrgv.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA (minimum 3.0) and GRE scores (not required for admission, but send them if available), transcripts (can be unofficial), a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

See job posting tab for more info.

Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Assistant Professor, Apiculture and Honey Bee Biology
Position # 35000

The Department of Entomology invites applications for a full-time probationary (tenure-track) position at the Assistant Professor rank, in Apiculture and Honey Bee Biology. The expected start date will be September 1, 2024, or on a date mutually agreed upon. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Department seeks an emerging scholar committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Exceptional candidates will be considered with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined below:

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will develop a strong, innovative, externally funded research program with a depth of expertise in the basic and applied insect sciences within the field of apiculture that will contribute to a deeper understanding of Honey Bee Biology.  Honey bee colony losses and reduced productivity result from multiple stressors involving parasites, pathogens, pesticides, nutrition, and climate change interacting in complex ways to affect the health of honey bee colonies.  A combination of expertise is sought in areas such as those related to understanding the basic physiology, behaviour, and population dynamics of bee colonies that could be used to ultimately develop innovative tools and solutions to sustainable management of this species. Specific areas of expertise could include but are not limited to, insect behaviour, physiology, chemical ecology, population management, landscape interactions, parasite and pathogen transmission and impact, pesticides, nutrition, genomics (or other “omic” technologies), digital agriculture, and plant-pollinator interactions.

The applicant will be expected to collaborate with other academics in the Department and Faculty, other scientists, and entomologists at the University of Manitoba and elsewhere. Teaching assignments will balance the expertise of the successful candidate with the needs of the Department and involve teaching introductory and advanced-level courses in entomology in the Department’s programs, supervision and training of graduate students and other highly qualified personnel. Service participation in functions of the Department is required, including involvement in extension activities related to apiculture and engagement with relevant stakeholders (industry and government) in Manitoba and the broader community.

For further information see the full advertisement and/or contact the search committee Chair, Dr. Rob Currie (Rob.Currie@UManitoba.ca).

Clare Rittschof’s lab at the University of Kentucky (Department of Entomology) is recruiting postdocs and graduate students to start as early as Fall 2024. 

Our research group incorporates perspectives from behavioral ecology, neuroscience, physiology, and genomics to study how environmental conditions and social interactions influence behaviors and life history characteristics. Much of our work focuses on the honey bee, but we have other new and on-going projects focused on wild bee species. 

Big questions of interest: 

• How do social interactions “get under the skin” and cause behavioral change? 
• Why do some experiences have lifelong impacts on the brain and behavior while others are easily reversed? 
• How do the brain and peripheral systems interact to regulate behavior? 
• What are the common evolutionary principles of behavioral regulation? 
• How are behavioral and health traits connected? 

We recruit individuals with a variety of intellectual backgrounds and interests, with degrees in biology, neuroscience, biotechnology, entomology, and related disciplines. Please see the lab’s website (https://clarerittschof.com/) for examples of on-going projects and recent publications. 

Please contact Dr. Clare Rittschof (clare.rittschof@uky.edu) to discuss your interests and fit and visit the UKY Entomology graduate page for more information about our program. 

The University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY, a historic, mid-sized city situated among horse farms in the heart of bourbon country. We are near renowned outdoor recreation areas, including the Red River Gorge and Mammoth Cave National Park. The Entomology Department is in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, and it represents a broad range of basic and applied insect science relevant to urban, forest, and agricultural landscapes, as well as human and animal health.