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Post-Doctoral position in ecological engineering of strawberry landscapes

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Position description

Primarily based on a grant from NIFA, we are seeking postdoctoral candidates for a full-time position to be hosted at UC Davis.

The incumbent will be part of a research team (Christian Nansen at UC Davis, Kerry Mauck at UC Riverside, and John Lin at Cal Poly), and the overall goal is to develop and promote ecological engineering as a sustainable approach to Lygus management in organic strawberry cropping systems. The main responsibilities include: 1) organization and execution of field work in strawberry landscapes, 2) execution of greenhouse and lab experiments on host selection by Lygus, 3) assistance with lab sessions and occasional guest lectures in an integrated pest management course taught by Christian Nansen, and 4) development and dissemination of a web-based decision support tool.

Additionally, the incumbent is expected to: 1) provide constructive inputs to a wide range of other research projects within the Nansen Lab (see website: http://chrnansen.wix.com/nansen2), 2) assist with supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, 3) draft status reports and grant proposals, 4) publish peer-reviewed journal articles, and 5) contribute to dissemination of research results at scientific conferences and stakeholder events. This position offers ample opportunities for developing critical research and management skills.

This position requires a recent Ph.D in Entomology or a related field. Practical and published research experience with field ecology is a requirement. Experience with development of web-based decision support tools, spatial statistics, population modeling, behavioral ecology, host selection, and insect community ecology will also count strongly in the assessment of candidates.

Please provide a CV and Cover letter addressing the following:
1) A few examples of how you have demonstrated leadership,
2) A few examples of how you have demonstrated problem-solving skills,
3) Your opinion (preferably supported by a few references and/or personal experiences) about ecological engineering of agricultural landscapes as a pest management strategy.


UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

UC Davis recognizes the necessity of supporting faculty with efforts to integrate work, family and other work-life considerations. To recruit and retain the best faculty, the campus sponsors a Work Life Program that provides programs and services that support faculty as they strive to honor their commitments to work, home and community.
http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/programs/worklife/index.html

UC Davis was ranked #1 in 2016 on Forbes Magazine list of the 13 most important STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) universities for women, and is expecting to earn the U.S. Department of Education’s “Hispanic Serving Institution” designation by 2018-2019. Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its student body by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students through such organizations and programs as the Center for African Diaspora Student Success; the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Resource Center; Casa Cuauhtémoc Chicano-Latino Theme House; Asian Pacific American Theme House; ME/SA (Middle astern/South Asian) living-learning community; Multi- Ethnic Program (MEP); Chicano/Latino Retention Initiative; and Native American Theme Program.

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any property owned or leased by UC Davis-- indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - 1) A few examples of how you have demonstrated leadership,

    2) A few examples of how you have demonstrated problem-solving skills,

    3) Your opinion (preferably supported by a few references and/or personal experiences) about ecological engineering of agricultural landscapes as a pest management strategy.

2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA