Job Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Grab Lab in the Department of Entomology is looking for a quantitative ecologist to conduct studies on the ecology of insects in agricultural systems. The successful candidate will develop existing neural occupancy models for publication in a peer-reviewed journal using simulated data for eventual application to forecast movement of migratory lepidoptera as part of an early warning tool. Additional opportunities will include working with students and postdocs in the lab to support the development of computer vision models for pest identification and to support the BeeSpatial web application.

This position will be located at Penn State in University Park, Pennsylvania with potential for remote work.

Minimum qualifications

• Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Ecology, Entomology, Data Science or a related field and be able to provide evidence that all requirements have been met for completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire.
• Programming experience in R, Python, or related languages.
• Familiarity with web app development and deployment using Shiny.
• Proficiency in GIS, spatial analysis, and management of geographic data.
• Expertise in the application of machine leaning approaches to occupancy modeling

Preferred qualifications:

• Familiarity with plant and insect ecology.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and with diverse teams of researchers.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully and efficiently complete research projects and write peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Interested candidates should include a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for 2-3 professional references.Review of applications will begin January 16, 2026, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.Preferred start date: February 1, 2026. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Heather Grab via email at heathergrab@psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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Part time, For contractors, Remote work,

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