POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Institute/Company Information

The mission of the Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory (IIBBL) is to conduct research on insect pests of agriculture and mitigate their threats to our Nation’s food and fiber. Using biological, molecular, chemical and non chemical approaches, scientists are developing new, cost-effective and sustainable strategies for controlling native insect pests and newly-introduced invasive species, such as the brown marmorated stink bug. An additional focus of the IIBBL is the discovery and development of methods to protect people from disease pathogens transmitted by medically-important insects and biting arthropods, such as the Asian tiger mosquito.

Position Details

Job Title

Employer

USDA ARS IIBBL

Location

Beltsville, Maryland

Date Posted

02/04/2024

Date End

Open until filled

Employer URL

https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/project/?accnNo=438966

Job Description

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Insect and Behavior Laboratory in Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland is seeking a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE for ONE YEAR APPOINTMENT with possibility of extension. Position is available immediately. Mission of the Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory is to conduct research on arthropod pests of agriculture and mitigate their threats to our Nation’s food and fiber by developing cost-effective and sustainable strategies for controlling native insect pests and invasive species. An additional focus of the IIBBL is the discovery and development of methods to protect people from disease pathogens transmitted by medically important insects and biting arthropods. The candidate should be a motivated, adaptable, and responsible chemical/biological/entomological candidate with a genuine interest in tackling crucial challenges to modern agricultural/medical production enterprises. Particularly, the candidate will conduct research with the long-term goal of developing unique behavioral and biological pest management strategies based on semiochemicals, such as detection & monitoring, mass trapping, attract & kill, push & pull, and mating disruption, to interfere with fundamental behaviors - feeding and mating for managing the population of agricultural insect pests and other important blood-sucking arthropods, reducing impacts of synthetic chemical effects on wildlife to protect the ecosystem and public health. Proficiency in entomological/chemical ecology field is required, including a working knowledge of insect laboratory behavior and field trials and familiarity with statistical analysis. Although not necessary, familiarity with organic synthesis is highly appreciated. Experience related to the stated research project and may include research performed in laboratory behavior bioassay involving attraction for feeding, mating, oviposition, or repulsion for avoiding competition, escape natural enemies (e.g., Petri dish, flight tunnel, olfactometer, EthoVision, and toxicology assays for feeding deterrent/repellent/toxin); insect rearing to establish laboratory colonies; experimental design; analysis of data and interpretation; drafting manuscript and presentation; and development of application tools for pest management with the intent to derive novel biological knowledge. This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR). The qualified candidate should have received a Ph.D. degree within the past five years. Salary is commensurate with experience (starting with $82,764 per annum), plus benefits. Send application and two reference letters to Dr. Aijun Zhang, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Bldg. 007, Rm. 303, BARC-West, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705-2350. Tel: 301-504-5223 (Office), E-mail: aijun.zhang@usda.gov. USDA/ARS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.