Fellow (Post Doc)

The Department of Entomology seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to support a USDA/NIFA-funded research project focused on developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based strategies for insect pest management.

  • 521505
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Entomology
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: May 8 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The Department of Entomology seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to support a USDA/NIFA-funded research project focused on developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based strategies for insect pest management. Needing someone for 9-months to help with the project until it is completed. This position is only funded for 9-months and is not expected to continue beyond that timeframe.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Lead independent research focused on developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based strategies for effective and sustainable insect pest management.
  • Design and perform laboratory experiments.
  • Collect research data.
  • Analyze research data.
  • Coordinate with laboratory staff on equipment needs.
  • Coordinate with laboratory staff on material needs to support project completion.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate research records, reports, and related documentation in standard scientific formats for data storage.
  • Assist principal investigators in developing high-quality tables, graphs, and other visual outputs.
  • Contribute to the preparation of materials for peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
  • Oversee and ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols
  • Manage ordering and inventory of research materials and reagents
  • Maintain and monitor insect colonies used in research activities

About Us

Ranked #4 globally, our department drives impactful research, delivers comprehensive education, and provides essential extension services at local, national, and international scales. We tackle critical challenges in food security, plant protection, animal health, conservation, and ecosystem services through innovative basic and applied research on arthropods. Our faculty are leaders in the field—23% rank among the top 2% of scientists worldwide—and maintain strong external collaborations to advance discovery and learner success. With a 98% graduate placement rate, robust funding portfolio, and specialized training opportunities, we offer an exceptional environment for professional growth. The successful candidate will play a key role in our expanding undergraduate program, inspiring students and preparing them for impactful careers in entomology. For further information, visit https://entomology.k-state.edu/.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Entomology or a related discipline

    The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Entomology or a related discipline, earned within the past five years
  • Demonstrated expertise in insect physiology, toxicology, and molecular biology, with preferred experience in insect RNAi, bioinformatics, and functional genomics.
  • Excellent organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  1. Resume/CV
  2. Contact information for three professional references

Application Window

Applications close on: May 8, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$50,000 - $54,000

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.