University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, us, 27497
Position Number:
998008 Functional Title:
Postdoctoral Researcher Position Type:
Post-docs Position Eclass:
EP - EHRA 12 mo leave earning University Information:
Located in North Carolinas third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The Universitys 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B. Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit:
The UNCG Department of Biology endeavors towards excellence in conducting research and teaching biological concepts and skills to biology majors and graduate students, to prepare them for professional careers and more advanced study. We introduce non-biology majors to the foundations and applications of biology. By involving undergraduate and graduate students in research, we contribute to and increase societys knowledge across the broad spectrum of biology. We train doctoral students in Environmental Health Science, a complex and rapidly changing discipline. Through laboratory training and directed research experiences, we enhance our students technical and analytical skills so that they can contribute meaningfully to an increasingly technological world. Our leadership in scientific innovation and discovery serves our students, profession, and our local and global communities. Position Summary:
The post-doc will be responsible for conducting and developing oviposition site-selection bioassays in the lab and in the field. An important responsibility will be the expansion of an existing sand fly colony, which is essential for the production of sand flies for these bioassays. The study will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Gideon Wasserberg at UNC-Greensboro in collaboration with Drs. Coby Schal and Loganathan Ponnusamy from North Carolina State University, in aspects pertaining to chemical ecology and microbial ecology, respectively.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Ecology, behavioral ecology, entomology, or related areas. Preferred Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated post-doc with broad skills in behavioral entomology (preferentially in the field of medical entomology) or related fields. Experience in conducting behavioral choice bioassays using olfactometers and/or wind tunnels, and field testing is highly desirable. Experience in lab rearing of hematophagic insects is also highly desirable, but not required. Recruitment Range:
$57,000 Org #-Department:
Biology - 12204 Job Open Date:
01/09/2026 Open Until Filled:
Yes FTE:
1.000 Type of Appointment:
Time Limited If time-limited, please specify end date for appointment.:
02/28/2029 Number of Months per Year:
12 FLSA:
Exempt Percentage Of Time:
30% Key Responsibility:
Managing sand fly colony Essential Tasks:
In coordination with the Principal Investigator (Pl), the postdoctoral researcher will oversee the maintenance and productivity of the sand fly colony. Responsibilities include scheduling and supervising student tasks related to colony upkeep, conducting regular blood-feeding to sustain breeding populations, and monitoring colony health, emergence rates, and mortality. The researcher will also be responsible for troubleshooting issues related to colony performance, implementing best practices for rearing and environmental control, and maintaining detailed records of colony status and procedures to ensure continuity and reproducibility. Percentage Of Time:
30% Key Responsibility:
Developing and conducting lab and field-based behavioral bioassays. Essential Tasks:
The postdoctoral researcher will develop and conduct both laboratory and field-based behavioral bioassays. These experiments will utilize free-flight cages, linear olfactometers, and Y-shaped olfactometers to assess behavioral responses under controlled and semi-natural conditions. In addition, mid- to large-scale wind tunnel olfactometers will be designed and constructed to support advanced behavioral studies. Percentage Of Time:
15% Key Responsibility:
Data collection and analysis Essential Tasks:
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for data collection and analysis. Data from colony growth experiments and behavioral assays will be collated, validated for quality, and securely backed up on external hard drives and cloud storage. Analytical tasks will include the calculation of preference indices, time-series analyses, and the application of generalized linear models (GLMs) to evaluate behavioral and growth responses. Percentage Of Time:
15% Key Responsibility:
Scholarly Writing and Dissemination Essential Tasks:
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the preparation of annual project reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and grant proposals in coordination with the Principal Investigator (Pl). They will also present research findings at national and international conferences, participate in departmental seminars, and assist in the preparation of outreach or educational materials materials when appropriate. These activities will support both the advancement of the projects scientific goals and the researchers professional development. Percentage Of Time:
10% Key Responsibility:
Student mentoring Essential Tasks:
The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students involved in the project, providing hands-on training in laboratory and field techniques, including behavioral bioassays, sand fly colony maintenance, and data collection procedures. They will guide students in experimental design, troubleshooting, proper documentation of protocols and results, and data analysis, while supporting their development in scientific writing, presentations, and manuscript preparation to foster professional growth and independent thinking. In addition to direct mentoring, the post-doc will manage journal clubs and discussion groups to promote critical thinking and keep the lab current with relevant literature, as well as organize and schedule regular lab meetings to ensure effective communication, coordination of research activities, and a collaborative research environment. Physical Effort:
Hand Movement-Repetitive Motions - R, Hand Movement-Grasping - R, Holding - R, Finger Dexterity - R, Vision-Skilled Trades - R, Reading - F, Writing - F, Eye-hand coordination - R, Vision-Color Distinction - R, Vision-Preparing/Analyzing figures - O, Vision-Visual inspection - R, Vision-Measuring/Assembling at distance close to eye - R, Hearing - F, Talking - F, Standing - O, Sitting - O, Walking - O, Lifting-0-30 lbs. - R, Lifting-30-60 lbs. - R, Lifting-60-90 lbs. - R, Lifting-90 plus lbs. - R, Pushing/Pulling - R , Climbing-Stairs - R, Climbing-Ladders - R, Bending - R, Squatting - R, Crawling - R, Reaching - R, Others Work Environment:
Driving - Car/Truck, Location - Trees, Night/Dark, Inside - F, Outside - R
998008 Functional Title:
Postdoctoral Researcher Position Type:
Post-docs Position Eclass:
EP - EHRA 12 mo leave earning University Information:
Located in North Carolinas third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The Universitys 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B. Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit:
The UNCG Department of Biology endeavors towards excellence in conducting research and teaching biological concepts and skills to biology majors and graduate students, to prepare them for professional careers and more advanced study. We introduce non-biology majors to the foundations and applications of biology. By involving undergraduate and graduate students in research, we contribute to and increase societys knowledge across the broad spectrum of biology. We train doctoral students in Environmental Health Science, a complex and rapidly changing discipline. Through laboratory training and directed research experiences, we enhance our students technical and analytical skills so that they can contribute meaningfully to an increasingly technological world. Our leadership in scientific innovation and discovery serves our students, profession, and our local and global communities. Position Summary:
The post-doc will be responsible for conducting and developing oviposition site-selection bioassays in the lab and in the field. An important responsibility will be the expansion of an existing sand fly colony, which is essential for the production of sand flies for these bioassays. The study will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Gideon Wasserberg at UNC-Greensboro in collaboration with Drs. Coby Schal and Loganathan Ponnusamy from North Carolina State University, in aspects pertaining to chemical ecology and microbial ecology, respectively.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Ecology, behavioral ecology, entomology, or related areas. Preferred Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated post-doc with broad skills in behavioral entomology (preferentially in the field of medical entomology) or related fields. Experience in conducting behavioral choice bioassays using olfactometers and/or wind tunnels, and field testing is highly desirable. Experience in lab rearing of hematophagic insects is also highly desirable, but not required. Recruitment Range:
$57,000 Org #-Department:
Biology - 12204 Job Open Date:
01/09/2026 Open Until Filled:
Yes FTE:
1.000 Type of Appointment:
Time Limited If time-limited, please specify end date for appointment.:
02/28/2029 Number of Months per Year:
12 FLSA:
Exempt Percentage Of Time:
30% Key Responsibility:
Managing sand fly colony Essential Tasks:
In coordination with the Principal Investigator (Pl), the postdoctoral researcher will oversee the maintenance and productivity of the sand fly colony. Responsibilities include scheduling and supervising student tasks related to colony upkeep, conducting regular blood-feeding to sustain breeding populations, and monitoring colony health, emergence rates, and mortality. The researcher will also be responsible for troubleshooting issues related to colony performance, implementing best practices for rearing and environmental control, and maintaining detailed records of colony status and procedures to ensure continuity and reproducibility. Percentage Of Time:
30% Key Responsibility:
Developing and conducting lab and field-based behavioral bioassays. Essential Tasks:
The postdoctoral researcher will develop and conduct both laboratory and field-based behavioral bioassays. These experiments will utilize free-flight cages, linear olfactometers, and Y-shaped olfactometers to assess behavioral responses under controlled and semi-natural conditions. In addition, mid- to large-scale wind tunnel olfactometers will be designed and constructed to support advanced behavioral studies. Percentage Of Time:
15% Key Responsibility:
Data collection and analysis Essential Tasks:
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for data collection and analysis. Data from colony growth experiments and behavioral assays will be collated, validated for quality, and securely backed up on external hard drives and cloud storage. Analytical tasks will include the calculation of preference indices, time-series analyses, and the application of generalized linear models (GLMs) to evaluate behavioral and growth responses. Percentage Of Time:
15% Key Responsibility:
Scholarly Writing and Dissemination Essential Tasks:
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the preparation of annual project reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and grant proposals in coordination with the Principal Investigator (Pl). They will also present research findings at national and international conferences, participate in departmental seminars, and assist in the preparation of outreach or educational materials materials when appropriate. These activities will support both the advancement of the projects scientific goals and the researchers professional development. Percentage Of Time:
10% Key Responsibility:
Student mentoring Essential Tasks:
The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students involved in the project, providing hands-on training in laboratory and field techniques, including behavioral bioassays, sand fly colony maintenance, and data collection procedures. They will guide students in experimental design, troubleshooting, proper documentation of protocols and results, and data analysis, while supporting their development in scientific writing, presentations, and manuscript preparation to foster professional growth and independent thinking. In addition to direct mentoring, the post-doc will manage journal clubs and discussion groups to promote critical thinking and keep the lab current with relevant literature, as well as organize and schedule regular lab meetings to ensure effective communication, coordination of research activities, and a collaborative research environment. Physical Effort:
Hand Movement-Repetitive Motions - R, Hand Movement-Grasping - R, Holding - R, Finger Dexterity - R, Vision-Skilled Trades - R, Reading - F, Writing - F, Eye-hand coordination - R, Vision-Color Distinction - R, Vision-Preparing/Analyzing figures - O, Vision-Visual inspection - R, Vision-Measuring/Assembling at distance close to eye - R, Hearing - F, Talking - F, Standing - O, Sitting - O, Walking - O, Lifting-0-30 lbs. - R, Lifting-30-60 lbs. - R, Lifting-60-90 lbs. - R, Lifting-90 plus lbs. - R, Pushing/Pulling - R , Climbing-Stairs - R, Climbing-Ladders - R, Bending - R, Squatting - R, Crawling - R, Reaching - R, Others Work Environment:
Driving - Car/Truck, Location - Trees, Night/Dark, Inside - F, Outside - R