Postdoctoral Scholar

Job Number: REQ_0000077883

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Acevedo and Hermann labs are looking for a motivated person to fill a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the Department of Entomology at The Pennsylvania State University. The successful candidate will provide support to research on Spotted Lanternfly in grape. Research will be conducted in field, greenhouse, and laboratory conditions, and commitment to work in these environments and frequent travel within the state are expected.

Primary duties include:

• Growing and maintaining milkweed, grapevines, and tree of heaven plants for research experiments.
• Transplanting and caring for milkweed plants in the field.
• Setting up research experiments and accurately collecting data from field and laboratory conditions.
• Driving frequently to the research sites to collect data on spotted lanternfly infestations in the field.
• Interacting with faculty, staff, graduate students, and farmers.
• Collecting plant and insect samples for laboratory analyses and helping perform analyses to assess the effect of milkweed on lanternflies.
• Digitalizing data from experiments and helping prepare written reports.
• Assisting with the purchase of materials required for experiments and the submission of expense reports.

Outreach activities will include contributing to original content to engage audiences through electronic extension publications in addition to traditional publications and in-person presentations.

Qualifications: Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Entomology or a closely 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. Applicants should have a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications. Experience conducting field research, insect rearing, and plant cultivation. Ability to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals with minimal supervision. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Strong ability to work collaboratively within a research team that includes graduate and undergraduate students. Willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.

This position will be located at Penn State in University Park, with frequent travel to field research sites within the state.

Availability: The position will be open until filled. The anticipated start day is June 1st, 2026.

Compensation: commensurate with qualifications and experience. Penn State offers competitive stipends and attractive benefits packages.

Application materials : Submit a single PDF containing a letter of interest, CV, graduate transcripts, and names and email addresses of three references. Apply via the Penn State Careers site . If you have questions about this position, feel free to email Flor E. Acevedo at [email protected] .

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a 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.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity 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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.