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USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Insect Ecology

ARS Office/Lab and LocationA research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research Unit located in Hilo, Hawaii.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Research Project: In support of the overall mission of the Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research unit, the postdoctoral fellow will pursue research and training related to the development and enhancement of sustainable pest monitoring and management strategies against key arthropod pests of macadamia nuts in Hawaii, including but not limited, to macadamia felted coccid (MFC), Cryptophlebia spp. and tropical nut borer (TNB). The development of these management strategies hinges upon a good understanding of insect behavior and ecology. Thus, the planned postdoctoral research may include activities pertaining to MFC and natural enemy phenology, assessment of volatiles attractive to Cryptophlebia spp. spp and TNB, and behaviorally based management strategies of these insect pests.

Learning ObjectivesThe specific training activities will include participation in experimental design, set-up of behavioral and chemical ecology lab bioassays (e.g., volatile collection, EthoVision, olfactometer), conducting field experiments, data collection and analysis. The postdoctoral fellow will be given opportunities to showcase research findings to stakeholders via grower meetings, and to scientific audiences through professional conferences (e.g., ESA National Meeting, ESA Branch Meeting, Hawaiian Entomological Society). In addition, the fellow will have opportunities to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals. The postdoctoral participant will gain valuable experience in interacting with growers, extension specialist and agents, and collaborate with other research scientists working in similar study systems. Overall, this postdoctoral fellowship will offer enhanced scientific and analytical skills for lab and field-based experiments; and provide opportunities for collaborative research and valuable research experience in insect ecology and IPM involving perennial orchard cropping systems.

MentorThe mentor for this opportunity is Angelita Acebes-Doria (Angelita.acebes-doria@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact her.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2022.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

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

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. A relocation allowance will also be provided to the selected candidate to offset the costs associated with relocating to Hilo, Hawaii.

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

ORISE InformationThis 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. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email USDA-ARS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within the past five years. 

Preferred skills:

  • Background in entomology
  • Strong familiarity with chemical ecology-related research
  • Strong interest in insect behavior and ecology
  • Experience in agricultural entomology
  • Strong background in statistics and data analysis
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills