Job Description

Position Title

Postdoc Research Associate - Bee Ecology and Conservation in Farmland

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join a USDA-NIFA-funded research project investigating how reconstructed native habitat within agricultural landscapes affects managed and wild bees.

This is a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position located at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Funding may be available for up to three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued project funding. The position includes Iowa State University benefits. The anticipated start date is between January 2027 and May 2027.

The successful candidate will work with Professors Amy Toth (direct supervisor), Lisa Schulte Moore, and Matthew O'Neal, along with an interdisciplinary team at Iowa State University on the project, "Evaluating Benefits of Reconstructed Habitat in Farmland Across Bee Species and Landscapes."

The overarching goal of the project is to determine when and where prairie strips and other reconstructed habitats provide net benefits to bee communities in intensively farmed landscapes. Research activities integrate field ecology, pollinator health, landscape ecology, pesticide exposure, floral resource assessment, and the management of honey bee and bumble bee colonies. This multi-year project involves extensive fieldwork at Iowa farms utilizing prairie strips within corn-soybean production systems.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will be expected to:

• Travel to field sites and collect ecological and bee health data on wild bees, managed bumble bees, and honey bees.
• Assist with the management and monitoring of honey bee and bumble bee colonies used in the study.
• Analyze data; prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication; and present research findings at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with project investigators, research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, farmer cooperators, and other project partners.
• Assist with plant surveys, floral resource measurements, including the use of drone imagery, and pollen sampling and analysis.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research efforts focused on pollinator conservation in agricultural landscapes.

This position provides substantial opportunities for intellectual leadership. The successful candidate will be encouraged to contribute to research planning, mentor students and junior researchers, and develop professional skills relevant to future careers in ecology, entomology, conservation science, and related disciplines.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in biology, entomology, ecology, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
• Prior research experience relevant to the goals and activities of this project.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting ecological or entomological field research, especially related to Hymenoptera.
• Experience with plant and/or bee identification.
• Experience with beekeeping or honey bee research.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) at Iowa State University is dedicated to advancing understanding of the natural world through research, teaching, and outreach. EEOB explores the interactions among organisms and their environments, the diversity of life, evolutionary processes, and the structure and function of living organisms. Faculty, staff, and students conduct innovative research addressing critical challenges in ecology, conservation, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, and environmental sustainability while preparing the next generation of scientists and leaders.

Department Unit/Website:

Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEOB)

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date

January 15, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

Post Docs

Original Posting Date

October 26, 2026

Posting Close Date

November 15, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R20145

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.