Postdoc Research Associate - Bee Ecology and Conservation in Farmland

About the role

Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee

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.

Additional information

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.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and meeting the University's Fleet Safety Program requirements.

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, or call or Toll Free:.

• 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

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.