USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Entomology

About the role

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to work on developing integrated and sustainable approaches for monitoring and managing the two-spotted cotton leafhopper, also known as cotton jassids, in the Southeastern United States. This research is a component of USDA-ARS National Program 304 (Crop Protection & Quarantine).

Responsibilities

• Conduct ecological, behavioral, and applied research on pests of various row crops, including cotton, soybeans, corn, and sweet potatoes.
• Establish a research program to understand the biology, ecology, behavior, and host preferences of cotton jassids.
• Investigate the cotton jassid's chemical ecology and develop monitoring tools and attract-and-kill strategies based on its visual cues, attractants, pheromones, and trap crops.
• Study the impact of agronomic and cultural practices on the development, population dynamics, and distribution of cotton jassids.
• Evaluate the impact of irrigation and drought on cotton jassid development, survival, and distribution.
• Examine the effect of non-chemical control strategies using kaolin clay particle films on jassid establishment, oviposition, host selection, and host-switching dynamics.
• Screen host plant resistance mechanisms of different cotton cultivars to cotton jassids using cotton varietal trials and bioassays.
• Evaluate antibiosis, antixenosis, and tolerance types of host plant resistance exhibited by these cotton cultivars, and characterize the feeding behavior of cotton jassids using electrical penetration graph (EPG) technology.
• Perform laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies to test different pest management strategies.

Requirements

The candidate should have received a doctoral degree in Entomology or a related field within the last five years. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and field research, demonstrated collaboration skills, and ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of insect biology, behavior, and chemical ecology.
• Hands-on experience in performing behavioral, chemical ecological, and toxicological bioassays, plant volatile collections, electrical penetration graph recordings, host plant resistance studies.
• Experience in developing integrated pest management approaches against cotton jassids and other row crop pests.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, writing skills, and statistical skills.
• Strong statistical skills with R, SAS, or other statistical programs.

Skills

• Collaboration in diverse and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to conduct independent and collaborative research.
• Ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in interacting and exchanging knowledge with agricultural research groups.

Benefits

The postdoctoral fellow will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience, with an anticipated range of $74,678 - $97,087 annually.

Pay

The stipend amount is determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience, and is subject to change.

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.

Contact

To apply, please visit the USDA-ARS website and follow the application instructions. Questions about the application process can be directed to ORISE.ARS.Southeast@orau.org.