Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Pest Management

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-USVL-2018-542-0007
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

A research opportunity is available with the the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Vegetable Laboratory (USVL) in Charleston, South Carolina.

This research project is being conducted in support of pest management strategies against insect pests and related arthropods. An important subject of study is the sweetpotato whitefly which attacks a wide range of vegetable and other crops. The participant will assist in laboratory, greenhouse and field research to: 1) investigate the influence of factors affecting the population dynamics of whiteflies on vegetable crops, and 2) Investigate insect management strategies that may affect populations of vegetable pests and their natural enemies. In conducting these activities, the participant will interact with multi-disciplinary researchers on entomology, horticulture, plant genetics, chemistry and plant pathology. The participant will be invited to travel to participate in subject relevant conferences and workshops as feasible.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a yearly stipend of $62,965 as well as a monthly health insurance stipend supplement. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment also includes a travel allowance of $3,000 per year to reimburse travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities. Funding is not available for relocation expenses.The appointment is full-time. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with ARS, this position requires a pre-appointment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPR). 

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications

All candidates should have recently graduated (within last 5 years) with a doctorate degree in Entomology or Biology-related disciplines.

Preferred Skills:

Skills and/or experiences in entomology.
Skills and/or experiences in growing plants.
Skills and/or experiences in integrated pest management.
Skills and/or experiences in insect biology.
Skills and/or experiences in insect population dynamics.
Skills and/or experiences in insect behavior.
 

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )
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