Join Us

1. 65%

   Research

   Design, conduct, analyze, and document laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies on Bt resistance. Major activities may include resistance monitoring with F1 or F2 screens and molecular markers; inheritance and genetic-mapping studies; diet and plant-tissue bioassays; preparation of brush border membrane vesicles; Bt toxin-receptor binding assays; identification of receptor mutations and other resistance-associated variants; gene-expression analyses; and functional validation of candidate resistance genes.

2. 20%

   Scientific communication and proposal development

   Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, conference presentations, and competitive proposals for extramural funding in IPM, IRM, and insect molecular biology.

3. 10%

   Insect colony development

   Establish, maintain, and document susceptible and Bt-resistant insect colonies and coordinate colony quality-control procedures.

4. 5%

   Laboratory support and mentoring

   Assist with laboratory organization, biosafety and regulatory compliance, and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate researchers.

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in entomology, insect science, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a closely related field, completed by the position start date.
• Demonstrated research experience in insect molecular biology, genetics, toxicology, physiology, or insecticide or Bt resistance.
• Hands-on experience with core molecular methods, such as DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, RTPCR or RT-qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, sequencing, or gene-expression analysis.
• Experience designing reproducible experiments and analyzing biological data using appropriate statistical methods.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, or comparable research outputs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts and reports.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple research activities, maintain accurate records, and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Ability to work safely in laboratory, greenhouse, and corn-field environments and to meet University of Minnesota employment eligibility requirements.

• Research experience investigating genetic, molecular, biochemical, or physiological mechanisms of resistance to Bt toxins.
• Experience preparing brush border membrane vesicles and conducting qualitative or quantitative Bt toxin-receptor binding assays.
• Experience identifying resistance-associated mutations in candidate Bt receptor genes, including ATP-binding cassette transporters, cadherins, aminopeptidases, alkaline phosphatases, or other midgut proteins.
• Experience with targeted sequencing, whole-genome or transcriptome sequencing, variant discovery, genotyping, bioinformatics, or molecular-marker development.
• Experience using RNAi, CRISPR-Cas9, heterologous expression, or related approaches to functionally validate candidate resistance genes or mutations.
• Experience characterizing the inheritance or genetic architecture of resistance through reciprocal crosses, backcrosses, linkage analysis, genetic mapping, or quantitative-genetic approaches.
• Experience conducting diet-incorporation, diet-overlay, or plant-tissue bioassays with purified Bt proteins, Bt corn tissues, or conventional insecticides.
• Experience rearing lepidopteran insects and maintaining susceptible and resistant colonies, particularly ECB, CEW, or related species.
• Knowledge of insect midgut physiology, Bt modes of action, toxin activation, receptor interactions, pore formation, or cross-resistance.
• Proficiency with R, Python, SAS, or relevant genomic-analysis software, and experience with greenhouse or field research, grant writing, and student mentoring.

Send the following materials to yang8905@umn.edu with the subject Corn Lab Postdoc Application.

• A current curriculum vitae.
• A cover letter describing the applicant's interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and experience related to insect resistance, molecular genetics, biochemistry, or Bt modes of action.
• A two-page research statement summarizing previous research accomplishments and future interests relevant to the genetic or molecular mechanisms of Bt resistance.
• Three representative peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• Names, institutional affiliations, email addresses, and telephone numbers for three professional references.