Fellow (Post Doc)

Dr. Ellen Welti’s Arthropod Ecology lab is seeking applicants for a Postdoc position in the Division of Biology, at Kansas State University. The ideal candidate has basic knowledge of community ecology, an interest in ecology and freshwater macroi...

  • 521282
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Biology
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: May 3 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The Postdoc position will conduct research on freshwater macroinvertebrate communities to identify long-term trends and their drivers. The postdoc will conduct research on freshwater macroinvertebrate communities to identify long-term trends and causes of change. Research will be conducted in collaboration with researchers Nathan Baker (Nature Research Center, Vilnius, Lithuania), Ellen Welti, and Keith Gido (Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA). Research questions and approaches can be tailored based on the postdoc’s interests but may include 1) testing for community homogenization of freshwater macroinvertebrates in long-term datasets from Lithuania and Poland, 2) identifying spatial and temporal shifts in traits of freshwater macroinvertebrates across the US and Europe in response to changing freshwater policy and environmental conditions, and 3) pilot sampling of emerging aquatic insects and testing responses to local conditions at nearby field site Konza Prairie Biological Station.

The Postdoc will work to further research on Europe and North American to follow-up research on the paper “The recovery of European freshwater biodiversity has come to a halt” (Haase et al. 2023, Nature), that used freshwater macroinvertebrates to investigate long-term trends in freshwater biodiversity in Europe, following regulatory actions, investment in river improvements, and new stressors. The postdoc will collect data, analyze data in Program R, write papers, and write grants related to these research topics.

About Us

The Division of Biology at Kansas State University is composed of a dynamic group of tenure-track, research, and instructional faculty, as well as a large number of postdoctoral research associates, graduate students, and support staff. All of these individuals are essential to accomplish the Division of Biology’s mission, to generate and disseminate high-quality biological scientific knowledge through teaching, research, service, and outreach. The research, teaching, and service interests of these individuals, spanning all areas of biological research, teaching and training at the postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels, as well as service and outreach contributions to the broader scientific community and the public.

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 Ecology, Biology, or a related field. 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.
  • Experience with complex ecological dataset analysis and interpretation such as time series and community analysis
  • Proficiency in R coding
  • Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Early career scientist with strong publication record
  • Have a strong record of grant writing
  • Demonstrated work with long-term ecological data
  • Freshwater macroinvertebrate identification skills
  • Hold a valid driver’s license
  • Enjoy being outdoors and willingness to work outside in variable weather condition
  • Be able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Have enthusiasm for ecology and freshwater macroinvertebrates
  • Basic knowledge of community ecology
  • Effective written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Mentoring skills to train undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Experience peer-reviewed publishing in the field of ecology
  • Be able to work independently and as part of a team

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. Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing relevant expertise, research interest, and earliest start date.
  2. CV with publications.
  3. Contact inf references (letters upon request)

Application Window

Applications close on: May 3, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$48,000-$56,000 annual

 

 

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: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

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.