Post-Doctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate in Ecological Pest Management and Organic Strawberry Production
University of Minnesota | Department of Horticultural Science | St. Paul, MN

The Rogers Organic Horticulture Lab in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to investigate ecological approaches to insect pest management in organic strawberry production.

The successful candidate will focus primarily on evaluating how flowering insectary plantings and supplemental food resources influence natural enemy communities, tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris) populations, and strawberry fruit damage. Research will involve replicated field experiments at University of Minnesota research facilities in St. Paul and Morris, Minnesota, and will integrate horticultural production, insect ecology, and conservation biological control.
The postdoctoral associate will be responsible for coordinating field research activities, contributing to experimental design, overseeing data collection, analyzing results, and preparing peer-reviewed manuscripts and Extension publications. The position will work closely with research staff and collaborators across horticulture, entomology, and Extension, including researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Rogers Lab conducts applied research focused on sustainable horticultural production, integrated pest management, invasive insect pests, and the conservation of beneficial insects. Our work combines field and laboratory research with grower partnerships to develop practical, ecologically based pest management strategies for fruit and vegetable production in the Upper Midwest.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative research environment with opportunities to develop independent research questions, mentor undergraduate researchers, participate in Extension programming, and contribute to grant proposals and publications.

The position will be based on the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus, with periodic travel to research sites in Minnesota.

Appointment: Full-time (100% FTE), with an initial 12-month appointment and the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding.

Anticipated start date: Early 2027, with some flexibility.

Primary Responsibilities

Strawberry Field Research 60%
* Coordinate and implement replicated field experiments evaluating insectary plantings, supplemental food resources, and natural enemy activity in organic day-neutral strawberry systems.
* Oversee strawberry field plot establishment, maintenance, treatment implementation, and research sampling in coordination with research staff.
* Assess tarnished plant bug populations, beneficial insect communities, and insect-related fruit damage.
* Develop and refine field sampling protocols and data collection procedures.

Research Data Management 10%
* Manage research datasets, conduct statistical analyses, and interpret experimental results.
Research communication - Manuscript/Grant Preparation/Reporting 30%
* Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
* Collaborate with faculty, research staff, graduate students, and Extension personnel to integrate research findings into practical pest management recommendations.
* Contribute to research planning, reporting, grant development, and outreach activities.
* Provide research mentorship and guidance to undergraduate students and other research assistants.

Required Qualifications
* Ph.D. in horticulture, entomology, agroecology, crop science, ecology, biology, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
* Demonstrated experience designing and conducting agricultural, horticultural, or ecological field experiments.
* Experience with experimental data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation, using R, SAS, or comparable software.
* Demonstrated scientific writing ability, including peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation.
* Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary research team.
* Willingness to conduct fieldwork under variable environmental conditions and travel periodically to research locations in Minnesota.

Preferred Qualifications
* Experience with integrated pest management, conservation biological control, insect ecology, or plant-insect interactions.
* Research experience in sustainable or organic horticultural production systems.
* Experience with diversified cropping systems, cover crops, flowering plantings, or ecological habitat management.
* Experience conducting insect sampling, monitoring beneficial insects, or assessing pest-related crop damage.
* Experience in strawberry or other specialty crop production.
* Proficiency in statistical analysis of ecological or agricultural experiments, including mixed-effects models.
* Evidence of scientific publications and experience preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
* Experience coordinating multi-site research projects or supervising research technicians and undergraduate assistants.
* Experience working with growers, Extension educators, or other agricultural stakeholders.
* Interest in developing practical, research-based recommendations for sustainable pest management.

Pay Range: $62,232 - $70,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

Applicants with strong experience in horticultural field research, sustainable agriculture, or agroecology who are interested in expanding their expertise in insect ecology and biological control are encouraged to apply.

Contact Information
Dr. Mary Rogers
Associate Professor
Department of Horticultural Science
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN
Email: roge0168@umn.edu
Lab website: https://rogerslab.cfans.umn.edu/

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