USDA-ARS Entomology Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A postdoctoral research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Systematic Entomology Laboratory (SEL), located at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.

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: The participant will investigate the systematics of agriculturally significant beetles, with emphasis on Curculionoidea (weevils) using morphological and molecular techniques resulting in the publication of new information pertaining to the taxonomy, phylogeny, and identification of these insects. The participant will also identify beetle specimens, particularly Tenebrionoidea, Dermestidae, Scarabaeidae, Bostrichidae, and other beetles, that are received from the USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory’s Communication and Taxonomic Service Unit. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will train in the identification of adult and immature beetles commonly intercepted at U.S. ports of entry. This will also include training in the dissection and slide mounting of immature insects. The participant will use scientific literature, identification keys, and study specimens in the National Museum of Natural History and other collections. The participant will also train in modern genomic techniques and bioinformatic skills from multiple scientists at the National Museum of Natural History. 

Learning Objectives: The participant will be able to explore modern genomic techniques within a community of other entomologists in the National Museum of Natural History. The participant will also learn to use specific imaging equipment used in the laboratory and develop additional taxonomic skills, especially as they relate to the identification of immature weevil specimens. 

Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are M. Lourdes Chamorro (Lourdes.chamorro@usda.gov) and Igor Sokolov (Igor.sokolov@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 15, 2024.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for three months, 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 will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This 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 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 ORISE.ARS.Northeast@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 start of the appointment.

Preferred skills:

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of morphology,
• Experience in molecular (including high-throughput sequencing and targeted-enrichment) and biological systematic methods and techniques
• Knowledge in entomology and evolutionary theory
• Knowledge of the classification, literature, and morphology of Coleoptera
• Skills in data analysis and data management

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Academic Level(s): Postdoctoral.