Research Associate in Insect Vibrational Communication

Title: Research Associate in Insect Vibrational Communication

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Days Per Week: Monday - Friday

Hours Per Week: 40 hrs/wk

VP Area: Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs

Department: Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences

Location: Remote - Buzzards Bay, MA

Position Summary

Elon University and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are seeking a Research Associate with a background in animal communication to conduct exciting, cutting-edge research on the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) (Hemiptera: Lycorma delicatula). The ideal candidate would have expertise in the study of vibrational communication (i.e., biotremology) or acoustic communication. Research will focus on elucidating the role of SLF vibrational signals in insect mate selection behaviors, aggregation, and other behaviors that may be exploited as pest control methods. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a team to develop vibrational signals into stimuli for novel behavior-based Integrated Pest Management tools and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. This position will be stationed at the USDA-APHIS Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML) located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, working closely with Dr. Miriam Cooperband at USDA-APHIS, in collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Hamel at Elon University and Dr. Rodrigo Krugner at USDA-ARS. Most work would occur at FPML, but the successful candidate would also travel to Elon University up to twice a year for field work and opportunities related to an academic setting.

This position will support the training and development of a researcher with interests in insect communication and applied research. The successful candidate would work among a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians at the USDA APHIS PPQ FPML, gain experience investigating practical, real-world entomological problems involving important invasive species of insects, within a biosecure facility and in the field, and would also have opportunities to gain faculty- and student-facing experiences in an academic setting when visiting Elon University.

Annual salary of $84,579 (Doctoral degree) or $69,905 (Master’s degree). This 12-month appointment has the possibility of renewal for up to three years.

Benefits of Working at Elon

Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes immediate eligibility for health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university, and 28 days of paid leave annually (vacation days and holidays).

Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon’s principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one’s identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Biology, Entomology, or a related discipline; demonstrated research experience and expertise in animal vibrational or acoustic communication. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. under a cooperative agreement with the USDA and employment is contingent on passing a background check.

Preferred Education and Experience

Demonstrated expertise and success in vibrational communication research (i.e., biotremology); experience determining the behavioral function of vibrational signals; animal behavioral expertise relating specifically to substrate-borne vibrations used in aggregation, orientation, and/or mating; strong publication record.

Job Duties

• Elon University and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are seeking a Research Associate with a background in animal communication to conduct exciting, cutting-edge research on the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) (Hemiptera: Lycorma delicatula).
• The ideal candidate would have expertise in the study of vibrational communication (i.e., biotremology) or acoustic communication. Research will focus on elucidating the role of SLF vibrational signals in insect mate selection behaviors, aggregation, and other behaviors that may be exploited as pest control methods.
• The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a team to develop vibrational signals into stimuli for novel behavior-based Integrated Pest Management tools and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• This position will be stationed at the USDA-APHIS Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML) located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, working closely with Dr. Miriam Cooperband at USDA-APHIS, in collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Hamel at Elon University and Dr. Rodrigo Krugner at USDA-ARS. Most work would occur at FPML, but the successful candidate would also travel to Elon University up to twice a year for field work and opportunities related to an academic setting.
• This position will support the training and development of a researcher with interests in insect communication and applied research. The successful candidate would work among a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians at the USDA APHIS PPQ FPML, gain experience investigating practical, real-world entomological problems involving important invasive species of insects, within a biosecure facility and in the field, and would also have opportunities to gain faculty- and student-facing experiences in an academic setting when visiting Elon University.
• Annual salary of $84,579 (Doctoral degree) or $69,905 (Master’s degree). This 12-month appointment has the possibility of renewal for up to three years.

Special Instructions to Applicants: First deadline to apply is November 20, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled.