All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page. Job Posting Title: Research Associate Specialist (Forest Chemical Ecology) Position Type: Other Academic Department: LSUAG PL1 - DE - Entomology (Todd David Johnson (00078431)) Work Location: 0544 Life Sciences Building Pay Grade: Other Academic Job Description: (This is a contract/grant-funded, non-tenure track position. This position is available for at least one year and may be extended upon satisfactory progress and continuation of funding.) Work Location: Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Position Description: We are looking to hire a careful and organized individual that is excited to join a dynamic group working on projects related to the chemical ecology, conservation, and management of plants and arthropods in forest ecosystems throughout Louisiana, and the Southeastern United States. As part of a collaborative effort with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the primary responsibility of this position is to identify and count Southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) and associates collected from pheromone traps deployed across the state. Additional responsibilities include leading data collection and analysis on field studies relating to invasive and native species of woodboring Agrilus beetles. When not leading these efforts, the successful candidate would be expected to assist in laboratory management, as well as the coordination of ongoing and developing research projects in the field and laboratory relating to the behavior and chemical ecology of trees, insect herbivores, and their natural enemies. The ability to independently travel within the state to collect data is expected. Opportunities for career development related to this position might include: Networking: Direct interaction with a diverse team of scientists across state and federal agencies, as well as collaborating universities Skills: Hands on experience in the trapping of insects, collection and characterization of plant and insect chemicals, assessment of host plant resistance, and behavioral assays Mentorship: Direct interaction with undergraduate and graduate researchers Project management: Analysis of data, preparation of reports and manuscripts, allocation of budgets and research effort. About Us and Our Research: Insect populations are regulated by abiotic and biotic factors that vary across the heterogenous landscape. Our recently formed research group (September 2022) seeks to understand how natural variation influences ecological interactions in forest ecosystems, especially among organisms that contribute important ecosystem services (e.g., pest suppression, decomposition) or threaten biodiversity and ecosystem function (e.g., invasive species). We seek to use the knowledge we gain to further our fundamental understanding of forest ecosystems and their management. Ongoing projects in our group include: community ecology of arthropods on ash trees, chemical ecology of classical biological control agents of the emerald ash borer, ecology of the flatheaded hackberry borer, host-selection and chemical ecology of longhorned beetles, and impacts of soil type on pine functional traits. We have a strong commitment to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and safe environment in our research group and Department. Qualification Requirements: Degree in Entomology (BS/MS) or related discipline including Ecology, Botany and Forestry. The ability to work in adverse field conditions including hot and humid days, light rain, and in areas that have mosquitoes, ticks, and snakes is required. A background check and valid drivers license are also required. Experience working in forest ecosystems, insect identification, insect herbivores or parasitoids, and collection/analysis of chemicals from plants, insects, or soils is preferred. We are especially interested in creative individuals with love of field ecology, a knack for tinkering, and drive to challenge themselves and learn. LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (per La. RS 42:36). Salary and Benefits: Position is hourly, non-exempt. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment. Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process. Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is identified. Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching cover letter with resume, curriculum vitae, official university transcripts, and contact information for three references. (Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted.) In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to: Dr. Todd D. Johnson Louisiana State University Department of Entomology 404 Life Sciences Building Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Email: ToddJohnson@agcenter.lsu.edu Website: www.lsuagcenter.com The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Additional Job Description: Competencies: None Special Instructions: Research Associate Specialist (Forest Chemical Ecology) Posting Date: December 22, 2025 Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): Additional Position Information: Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. Benefits - The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment. Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement. Essential Position (Y/N): About the LSU Agricultural Center: The LSU AgCenter, is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 “on campus” academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish. For more information, visit the AgCenter’s website at www.lsuagcenter.com. The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. HCM Contact Information: Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed HRMHelp@agcenter.lsu.edu. LSU includes institutions, facilities and programs in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and its campuses stretch the length of the state from New Orleans to Shreveport. Each institution plays a vital role in preparing students to incorporate new knowledge and technologies into their daily lives. LSU researchers across Louisiana are working on developing a wide-range of innovations to improve quality of life by studying issues such as disease management, advance medical treatments, obesity, coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, energy, natural resource management and agriculture, among others. Louisiana’s Flagship University is a land-, sea- and space-grant institution with academic programs in all areas of science, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences. The University comprises of nine institutions: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (“LSU”), the premier flagship university for the state, which include the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University at Alexandria Louisiana State University at Eunice Louisiana State University at Shreveport LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans LSU Health Science Center – Shreveport The Health Care Services Division Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Pennington Biomedical Research Center Any other college, university, school, institution, or program now or hereafter under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College In implementing its mission, LSU is committed to: Offering a broad array of undergraduate degree programs and extensive graduate research opportunities designed to attract and educate highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students; Employing faculty who are excellent teacher-scholars, nationally competitive in research and creative activities, and who contribute to a world-class knowledge base that is transferable to educational, professional, cultural, and economic enterprises; and Using its extensive resources to solve economic, environmental, and social challenges.