Postdoctoral Fellow II

Overview The Utah State University Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and the Pollinating Insects Research Unit (PIRU) of the USDA Agricultural Research Service are searching for a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in toxicology and entomology.  This is a full-time, temporary appointment of 2 years, based at Utah State University. The postdoc will be working directly with Drs. Kimberly Hageman (USU) and Kelsey Graham (USDA ARS) in Logan, UT, in addition to collaborators at Washington State University (Dr. Douglas Walsh) in Prosser, WA. Review of application materials will begin on July 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The target start date is in September 2026. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. U.S. work authorization is required for the duration of employment. Responsibilities The aim of this project is to develop standardized methods for conducting quantitative pesticide risk assessments that include the diverse exposure pathways encountered by solitary bees. This includes conducting experiments to determine lethal and sub-lethal toxicity endpoints for two solitary bee species – the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata) and the alkali bee (Nomia melanderi). Additionally, the postdoc will lead semi-field studies to evaluate higher-tier risk assessments for pesticide exposures for these bees and determine how different routes of pesticide exposure impact bee health. The research is expected to provide critical information on how toxicity and exposures differ between solitary bees and the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), which is the model system for this type of work in the US. The candidate should have experiences related to toxicology and working with insects. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry, Entomology, Biological Sciences, or related disciplines appropriate to this position.  Required Documents Along with the online application, please attach: Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV” Transcripts for all relevant undergraduate and graduate degrees to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10" Names and contact information for 3 Professional References to be typed at the beginning at your application   Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application **Document size may not exceed 10 MB.** Advertised Salary Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits ADA Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. College/Department Highlights https://artsci.usu.edu University Highlights Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact. USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state. Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service. Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.  The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected] .   *updated 07/2026 Notice of Non-discrimination In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law. Ut