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Seeking 2 post-docs focused on agroecology and pollination ecology to join the lab of Dr. Megan O’Rourke at Virginia Tech. One post-doc will support a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) funded by USDA NRCS to conserve pollinators in grazing systems and the second will focus on completing writing projects on integrated pest management and pollination ecology and is supported by a Presidential Early Career Award for Science and Engineering (PECASE). Postdocs will be part of the collaborative “BeeGroup†at Virginia Tech focused on developing sustainable solutions to pollinator conservation https://www.freelyflyingbees.com/beegroupvt.html. Both positions require a Ph.D. in entomology, agroecology or closely related fields. Compensation will begin at $45,000/yr plus full benefit package. Application Process: Identify which post-doc you are applying to by sending application materials, as a single pdf file, to [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> with the title “CIG postdoc application†or “PECASE postdoc application.†Include your cv and a brief cover letter summarizing your motivations for applying, potential start-date, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin Feb. 24. Please direct questions to Megan O’Rourke, [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> , 540-750-0457. Post-docs should be ready to begin work this summer. 1) CIG Postdoc This position supports a new Conservation Innovation Grant funded by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to conserve pollinators in “fescue belt†pastures. Grazing lands in the southeastern U.S. are dominated by non-native species and this grant seeks to create “bee-friendly beef†systems by integrating native wildflower species into pastures. The post-doc will join an interdisciplinary team and will play a key role in coordinating partnerships between Virginia Tech, the University of Tennessee, and the Virginia Working Landscapes nonprofit. They will help lead field work coordination, extension activities, and project deliverables for NRCS. Research will focus on the agronomy of establishing wildflowers into pastures, and impacts on pollinators and cattle. The desired outcome of the project is to create the scientific foundation for NRCS to create a new conservation cost-share program for farmers. This is a 12-month position renewable for 3 years total. Additional required qualifications: driver’s license. Preferred qualifications: leadership, extension, and on-farm research experience; publication record; past research involving pollinators 2) PECASE Postdoc This position will be supported by a USDA-funded Presidential Early Career Award for Science & Engineering (PECASE) to Dr. O’Rourke. The position will extend research from a previously funded Agroecosystem Management grant that focused on the impacts of landscapes and on-farm pollinator habitats on pollination and biological control. The post-doc will focus on writing manuscripts with previously collected data about integrated pest management and pollination ecology. Additionally, they will be responsible for monitoring plant diversity in long-term pollinator plots during the summer field season. This is an opportunity for the post-doc to work collaboratively with the PI on writing projects to rapidly increase their publication record with opportunities to be first author. This is a 12-month position renewable up to one additional year. Additional required qualifications: excellent writing skills; strong statistical capacity. Preferred qualifications: publication track record in IPM and/or pollination ecology.