What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources?
Position Information
Position Information
EEO Statement Working Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Department Entomology-0834 Requisition Number F_260080 Posting Open Date 07/30/2026 Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 09/01/2026 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Description of Work
The Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral research associate. This 12-month (calendar year), special appointment will lead multiple research projects on EPN and/or EPF, including but not limited to projects targeting corn rootworm in corn and red sunflower seed weevil and head moth in sunflower. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to grant proposal preparation, project reporting, presenting research results at scientific conferences, manuscript drafting and publishing, as well as mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. The postdoctoral research associate will have opportunities to assist with extension programing and material development if interested. The apportionment is 100% research. This position will be located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Research may require frequent travel to research sites throughout western Nebraska. The initial appointment is for a one-year term with the possibility to extend depending on performance and funding availability.
The postdoctoral research associate will be working under the supervision of the principal investigator, Dr. Pin-Chu Lai in the Crops IPM Entomology Lab at Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center (PREEC). The program focuses on research in applied ecology, arthropod pest biology and management in major crops in the central high plains including sugar beets, dry beans, winter wheat, sunflower, corn, and alfalfa. Please visit the lab website for more information.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Entomology are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. At IANR we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty information form. Attach the following documents:
Marci Sturek
msturek2@unl.edu
Job Category Job Category (old) Post Docs & Other Academic Job Type 12 Month (Faculty Only) Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes If Temporary, indicate end date Planned Hire Date Appointment End Date Organizational Location Default Location
Position Information
EEO Statement Working Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Department Entomology-0834 Requisition Number F_260080 Posting Open Date 07/30/2026 Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 09/01/2026 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Description of Work
The Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral research associate. This 12-month (calendar year), special appointment will lead multiple research projects on EPN and/or EPF, including but not limited to projects targeting corn rootworm in corn and red sunflower seed weevil and head moth in sunflower. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to grant proposal preparation, project reporting, presenting research results at scientific conferences, manuscript drafting and publishing, as well as mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. The postdoctoral research associate will have opportunities to assist with extension programing and material development if interested. The apportionment is 100% research. This position will be located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Research may require frequent travel to research sites throughout western Nebraska. The initial appointment is for a one-year term with the possibility to extend depending on performance and funding availability.
The postdoctoral research associate will be working under the supervision of the principal investigator, Dr. Pin-Chu Lai in the Crops IPM Entomology Lab at Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center (PREEC). The program focuses on research in applied ecology, arthropod pest biology and management in major crops in the central high plains including sugar beets, dry beans, winter wheat, sunflower, corn, and alfalfa. Please visit the lab website for more information.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Entomology are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. At IANR we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Entomology, Microbiology, Ecology, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in IPM or applied ecology research.
- Demonstrated expertise or experience working with EPN and EPF.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driving criteria.
- Scholarly experience and productivity (presentations, publications, grantsmanship).
- Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students.
- Experience working in row crops.
- Extension and outreach experience.
Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty information form. Attach the following documents:
- A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the position and career aspirations, as well as your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments where every person and every interaction matters. See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement.
- Your curriculum vitae.
- Contact information for three (3) professional references.
Marci Sturek
msturek2@unl.edu
Job Category Job Category (old) Post Docs & Other Academic Job Type 12 Month (Faculty Only) Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes If Temporary, indicate end date Planned Hire Date Appointment End Date Organizational Location Default Location