Postdoctoral Research Associate
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS)
Two postdoctoral research positions, one in entomology and one in applied virology, are available at the USDA-ARS, Soil Dynamics Lab in Auburn, AL in collaboration with Auburn University. The postdoctoral researchers will work with multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams at the Soil Dynamics Lab, Auburn University, and other collaborators at USDA and Land Grant Universities to investigate the epidemiology and management of the aphid-transmitted Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) in cotton agroecosystems. The aims of these research programs are to generate knowledge about the epidemiology of CLRDV that will inform development of risk models and/or season-long, sustainable management programs for mitigating yield loss outcomes.
Support for these positions are available for up to two years at the GS11 level (~$64,000) with a potential option to extend an additional two years. All Federal benefits (i.e. health insurance, annual leave, retirement plans) are available for each position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Entomologist post-doc will perform hypothesis driven research about insect-virus-plant-environment interactions that will improve our understanding of virus spread and epidemiology leading to practical solutions for problems facing the cotton industry in the state of Alabama and beyond.
• Applied virologist post-doc will perform hypothesis driven research to investigate plant virology, including epidemiology, diagnostics, and population genetics that will lead to practical solutions for problems facing the cotton industry in the state of Alabama and beyond.
• Coordinate and lead research activities, including literature review and synthesis, research design, protocol development, execution of project activities, data collection, summarizing data, data analysis and reporting.
• Mentoring and work collaboratively with undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Present research findings at scientific and stakeholder meetings.
• Write manuscripts for submission to high-quality peer-reviewed journals and extension outlets.
• Work to create a safe and inclusive work environment.
• Work may include the ability to safely drive and perform work with a truck or SUV, some heavy lifting, and working outdoors where temperatures reach the upper 90s F.
• Travel will be required for field research activities and presentation of results at relevant research and conference meetings.
Qualifications:
• A PhD in entomology, plant pathology, or related discipline with experience working with insect vectors/viruses.
• This will require a strong and relevant research background, and experience conducting research on plant viruses transmitted by insects is highly desirable. This includes establishment/maintenance/containment of insect colonies and virus infected plants. An understanding of virus molecular genetics is also highly desirable.
• There is flexibility within the project, therefore, multiple skill sets could be successfully utilized. Candidates interested in applying their knowledge of vector biology, virology, plant science, molecular biology, virus detection and monitoring, genomics, ecology, population genetics, modeling, or precision agriculture tools to research epidemiology and management of CLRDV are encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge of experimental design of field-, greenhouse-, and lab-based experiments, critical thinking skills, knowledge of standard statistical procedures (SAS, R, Python, etc.).
• Interested candidates need to be motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and possess good record keeping skills.
• The candidate must be collegial and have good interpersonal skills in individual and team settings to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a group.
How to Apply:
Please email a CV, three references, and a cover letter to Dr. Kip Balkcom (kip.balkcom@usda.gov) by COB, July 16, 2021 for consideration. Indicate your position interest by adding USDA-ARS Entomology post-doc or USDA-ARS Applied Virologist post-doc to the subject line of your email. Questions regarding specific job responsibilities should be directed to Dr. Alana Jacobson (alj0043@auburn.edu) for the Entomology position and Dr. Kassie Conner (connekn@auburn.edu) for the Applied Virologist position.
