About the Job
The iBUG lab (in collaboration with the Williams Lab at UC Davis and the Winfree Lab at Rutgers ) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join us on a new, NSF-sponsored project investigating the resilience of wild bees to heat waves. This position offers up to 2 years of guaranteed funding with possibility of extending to a third given successful performance. Our project bridges the study of individuals, populations and communities and leverages cutting-edge technology to better understand organism responses to the environment. First, the project measures behavior, reproduction and survival of individual bees across life stages, in response to simulated heat waves, focusing on Osmia lignaria. Second, the project tracks nesting Osmia in the wild using automated remote cameras to determine whether bees within a population choose cooler nest locations under heat wave conditions. Third, the project uses AI-assisted camera traps to measure the activity of whole native bee communities before, during, and after naturally occurring heat waves. The postdoc will lead the first objective of the project, including the development of experimental protocols, data collection, analysis, and publishing results. Additional opportunities will exist to work on the second objective as well. All experimental and field work will be conducted at UC Davis/in California (housing provided), but the postdoc will be based at the University of Minnesota for all other periods of the project.
Start Date / Project Duration:
- March 1, 2027 - Feb. 29, 2028; Priority will be given to applicants who can start by March 1, 2027.
- The initial appointment is for one year with reappointment for a second year dependent on positive performance during year 1. Renewal beyond 2 years is possible depending on funding for the project or the candidate’s ability to obtain continued funding from other sources (e.g., USDA Postdoctoral Fellowship, Smith Fellowship, or other research grants in collaboration with PIs).
Responsibilities (non-exhaustive list)
- Research and coordination (75%): Experimental design, development of protocols, insect/plant rearing, carrying out experimental heat wave simulations, collecting and analyzing data.
- Publication preparation (20%): Preparing and leading publications of experimental results in collaboration with project PIs and other participants.
- Mentorship (5%): Mentor project technicians and undergraduate and graduate students in scientific practices, writing, and project management.
Qualifications
Required / Minimum
- PhD in Ecology, Entomology, or other related ecological disciplines (those with scheduled defense date in Winter 2026 will be considered).
- Experience managing field work in exposed, high summer temperatures (≥ 95°F).
- Valid drivers’ license.
- Experience with Osmia in experimental contexts in addition to growing and maintaining plants in greenhouse conditions.
- Experience with R programming, including basic to intermediate analysis of experimental and observational research designs.
Preferred
- Demonstrated publication record.
- Familiarity with field identification of bee species.
- Advanced statistical techniques such as generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and generalized additive models (GAMs).
- Interest in designing and deploying with cameras to monitor Osmia nest blocks and working with the associated data processing pipelines
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $62,232.00; 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
How To Apply
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.
Applicants should submit a brief cover letter, CV, a 1-page summary of research interests, 1-3 representative publications (or formatted manuscripts/thesis chapters), and the names and contact details of at least two references by December 11, 2026 for full consideration.
We will begin reviewing applications December 11, 2026. Co-PI Williams will be attending the Entomological Society of America meetings in Columbus and is happy to discuss the project and position with prospective applicants. Please also reach out to Jeremy if you have any additional questions.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
