USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Advanced Genomic & Transcriptomic Approaches in Invasive Insect Biological Control

About the role

A postdoctoral research fellowship is available at the Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit in Newark, DE. The fellowship focuses on using advanced genomic and transcriptomic methodologies to drive innovative biological control strategies against high-impact invasive insect pests.

Responsibilities

• Engage in collaborative research to build comprehensive knowledge bases on the behavior, ecology, physiology, and genetic underpinnings of invasive insect pests and their natural enemies.
• Leverage advanced 'omics' technologies, including comparative genomics, population genomics, and transcriptomics, to:
• Utilize genomic and transcriptomic data to inform the development of effective biological control strategies.
• Evaluate host ranges of biocontrol agents through laboratory specificity testing and genomic analysis.
• Conduct rigorous evaluation of post-introduction adaptation of biocontrol agents through laboratory studies and genomic analysis.
• Focus on high-impact invasive insect pests such as Spotted Lanternfly, Spotted Wing Drosophila, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, and newly emerging pests like Cotton Jassid.

Requirements

• The candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Entomology, Insect Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field.
• Degree must have been received within the past five years, or be pursued and anticipated to be received by 9/30/2026.
• Advanced proficiency in bioinformatics tools, pipelines, and statistical methods for the analysis of large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets.
• Strong foundation in experimental design, advanced statistical analysis, and scientific writing.
• Proven research experience in insect biology, ecology, or biological control, with a clear understanding of how genomic approaches can address applied questions.
• Ability to research independently and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• The candidate should have demonstrated experience and extensive practical experience in modern genomic and transcriptomic methods.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only

Skills

• Experience with comparative genomics, population genomics, RNA-seq, genome assembly, variant calling, and other high-throughput sequencing approaches.
• Advanced proficiency in bioinformatics tools, pipelines, and statistical methods for the analysis of large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets.
• Hands-on experience in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Strong foundation in experimental design, advanced statistical analysis, and scientific writing.
• Experience in insect biology, ecology, or biological control.
• Ability to research independently and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits

No specific benefits are mentioned in the job posting.

Pay

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $5,000 - $6,800 monthly.

Schedule

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.