Join the Lab

Postdoctoral Position OPEN
Williams Lab: University of California Davis

The Williams Lab (in collaboration with the iBUG Lab [Prof. Jeremy Hemberger] at the University of Minnesota) is seeking candidates for a 2-year postdoctoral research position exploring the impacts of summer heat waves on the pollination of sunflowers in the CA Central Valley. The project includes: (1) experimental tests of extreme heat impacts on pollen viability of different sunflower cultivars, (2) field observational work on the effects of heat waves on pollinator visitation, pollen transfer and seed set in field situations using current pollination biology methods, and (3) modeling of heat wave impacts on specialty seed crop production across California growing regions. The successful postdoc will lead the field aspects of 1 and 2 with the potential to collaborate on work monitoring heat sensitivity of different native pollinator species using remote cameras with members of the iBUG Lab. The postdoc will be responsible for coordinating on-campus experiments, organizing and carrying out field trials with the seed-grower community, and coordinating a modest-sized research team of student assistants. The postdoc will work collaboratively on data analysis and a pair of research publications from the study. The postdoc will lead grant reports throughout the project with the support of Williams.

Start Date: March 15, 2026
Application Deadlines: December 5, 2025

LINK TO SUBMIT APPLICATION

Both PIs Williams and Hemberger will be attending the 2025 Entomological Society of America meetings in Portland and are happy to discuss the project and position with prospective applicants.

Basic Qualifications:
• PhD in Ecology, Entomology, or other related ecological discipline (those with a scheduled defense date in winter 2026 will be considered).
• Experience managing field work in exposed, high summer temperatures (≥ 95°F).
• Valid drivers’ license.
• Experience in pollination biology and/or insect behavior.
• Experience with R programming, including basic to intermediate analysis of experimental and observational research designs.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Demonstrated publication record.
• Experience growing and maintaining plants in field and greenhouse conditions.
• Field work experience and/or bees.
• Knowledge of pollination biology techniques.
• Familiarity with field identification of bee species.
• Interest and/or experience with engaging grower audiences.
• Advanced statistical techniques such as generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and generalized additive models (GAMs).
• Interest designing and deploying with remote cameras to monitor flower visitors and working with the associated data processing pipelines (preferably with experience programming in Python).

Primary Activities:
Lead field and greenhouse work on pollination of sunflowers. Set up experimental heat wave trials to examine impacts on pollen viability. Coordinate data collection for all aspects of research. Lead data analysis and preparation and submission of manuscripts and reports. Actively mentor graduate and undergraduate students as part of the research team.

Salary and conditions:
Salary: Full-time salary (starting at $69,073 per year) and benefits included. Note, salary and benefits will be determined commensurate with applicant experience, based on UC Davis requirements.
Start date: Priority will be given to applicants who can start by no later than March 15, 2026.

The initial appointment is for one year. Reappointment for a second year is dependent on positive performance during the first year. Renewal beyond 2-years is possible depending on funding for the project, or the candidate’s ability to obtain continued funding from other sources in collaboration (e.g., USDA Postdoctoral Fellowship, Smith Fellowship, or other research grants).

Application Materials:
Applicant must include all of the following: a brief cover letter, CV, a 1-page summary of research interests, 1-3 representative publications (or formatted manuscripts/thesis chapters), and the names (with email address) of 3 references.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by December 5, 2025. Late applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Graduate Students

Information for prospective graduate students:

Neal is considering new graduate students for 2025.

The Williams lab accepts primarily students interested in pursuing PhDs. Most students enter the lab as members of the Graduate Group in Ecology (GGE) or Entomology Graduate Group (ENT) and occasionally through the Animal Behavior Graduate Group (ABGG). Co-advising through the Population Biology Graduate Group (PBG) is also possible with a co-mentor who is an active member of that group. 

If you are interested in joining the lab, please email me directly. Include a brief statement of your interests for graduate work, where you are now and a little about your path along the way. If you have a CV please also include it. I encourage prospective students to contact me early to allow time to discuss interests and potential visits. Deadlines for applications vary among years and graduate programs, but they are generally December to early January of the preceding academic year. I encourage you to reach out to current graduate students to get insight to lab culture, their experiences in the lab and perspectives on the different graduate programs.