Postdoctoral Fellowship in Insect Ecology and Agricultural Pest Management

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 1, 2022 at 3PM ET

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A 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.

Research Project: In keeping with the mission and goals of the Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research Unit, the postdoctoral research associate will design and implement research on the factors contributing to, or limiting, effective pest management of invasive insect pests in the Pacific Basin, and developing solutions to address limitations where they exist. Specific projects will be suited to the particular background and research interests of the participant. Study systems may include various tropical tephritid fruit flies in tropical tree fruit and vegetable crops, avocado lace bug, and or others present in Hawaii agricultural systems. Projects often occur all across the big island of Hawaii and have the potential for multi-island and multi-state work as needed.

Learning Objectives: This project comes with ample opportunities to develop advanced research design and data analysis skills, collaborate with researchers at various institutions including University of Hawaii and UC Davis, interact with growers and collaborate closely with the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Association and the Hawaii Avocado Association, present at professional society meetings including ESA, and publish in leading peer-reviewed journals. These opportunities will allow the participant to develop valuable scientific research experience in insect ecology and applied pest management in a wide range of crop and landscape systems.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Dara Stockton (dara.stockton@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

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

Appointment Length: The appointment(s) will initially be for a yeah and a half but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant(s) will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

ORISE Information: 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. 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 (USDA-ARS-2022-0039).