Postdoc in Phytochemical Insect Pest Management

Qualifications:

Minimum
* Ph.D. in plant science or related discipline at time of appointment.
* Experience conducting laboratory assays of insect feeding/oviposition deterrents on
plant materials.
* Experience with laboratory and field experimental design, along with data collection and
statistical analysis.

Preferred
* Familiarity with plant phytochemistry and associated analytical approaches (such as GC-
MS, LC-MS, HPLC, spectrophotometry).
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team with different perspectives.
* Experience with organic and integrated peat management approaches for Horticultural
crop species.

This position will be required to be in the Twin Cities full time and in person.

Primary Duties
The candidate will conduct research for the University of Minnesota Plant Metabolomics
laboratory working on identifying plant extracts that can be applied to various Horticultural plant
species to repel Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica).

(40%) Beetle feeding assays: As part of a Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests
Center (MITPPC)-funded project, the candidate will help design and implement laboratory
assays of beetle feeding preference. This will include selection of appropriate strategies based
on current published standards for such measurement techniques, the assembly of the needed
apparatus, and the design and implementation of assay protocols in our laboratory. The assays
will be conducted as part of a team of researchers and so the candidate will be expected to
work with and consult with other team members in the selection and design of the assays and to
assist others in learning how to perform the assays independently.

(20%): Conduct field spray trial: The candidate will design and implement a field spray trial of a
commercial putative insect deterrent formulation to be coordinated by Associate Professor Mary
Rogers.

(15%): Program coordination: The candidate will help coordinate the MITPPC-funded project,
including grant reporting, scheduling collaborative meetings, outreach to stakeholders, and
other needed activities. The candidate will also serve as a liaison between the Plant
Metabolomics team and the MITPPC.

(15%) Phytochemical extraction and analysis: The candidate will work with other members of
the team to prepare plant extracts and purified fractions of the extracts for testing using the
beetle feeding assays, and to collect and interpret chemical analyses of the extracts/fractions.

(10%) Leadership and Mentoring: The candidate will attend regular group lab meetings and may
be asked to lead group lab meetings. The candidate will also be expected to supervise and
mentor undergraduate researchers and graduate student researchers as needed.

More Information
The Plant Metabolomics lab at the University of Minnesota is part of the Department of
Horticultural Science in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences. More
information about our program can be found at: https://hegemanlab.cfans.umn.edu/ and
www.horticulture.umn.edu.

For more information about this position, please contact Adrian Hegeman, Professor of
Horticultural Science (ph: 612-626-3650; hegem007@umn.edu).

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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.

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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.

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