Postdoctoral Research Associate

Details

Posted: 09-Apr-24

Location: Pullman, Washington

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Academic/Faculty
Agricultural Sciences

Internal Number: 5164283

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Available Title(s):
306-NN_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate
Business Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Employee Type:
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)
Time Type:
Full time
Position Term:
12 Month
Position Details:
Summary of Duties:
The WSU Honey Bee Research Program is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on research exploring honeybee pest management using biopesticides. Metarhizium is a sporulating soil fungus used worldwide as pest biocontrol agents for their entomopathogenic properties. Varroa mite is a major pest of honey bees and are detrimental to honey bee health and primarily cause colony collapse. Chemical miticides raised concerns about human and pollinator health hazards and adverse environmental impacts. Therefore, beekeeping community actively seeks biopesticides as an alternative solution. This project aims to investigate the potential of a Metarhizium isolate as a biopesticide to control varroa mites in honey bee colonies. We also aim to select new strains of Metarhizium, more tolerant to higher hive temperature and can effectively kill Varroa mites. Our study will also provide crucial information on how this microbial biopesticide might improve directly honey bee health. This project aligns with advancing applied research of sustainable management of honey bees pests and provide cost-effective and eco-friendly biocontrol strategies.
This project also involves close collaboration with researchers, extension agents, and commercial beekeeping operations located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. The successful applicant will work alongside beekeepers, industry members, and multidisciplinary researchers to gather data on honey bee health over space and time. The candidate will be responsible for project coordination, data collection, management and analysis, and communicating with sponsoring agencies. In addition to the pest management project, the candidate will also assist with data analysis and preparation of publications relating to other projects involving beekeeping practices (Varroa management, indoor storage of honey bee colonies, etc.), and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in the program.
Required Qualifications:

• Must hold a PhD degree in a field of entomology, ecology, molecular biology, or other related field.
  
• The applicant must have at least one year beekeeping experience, including queen inspection, pest sample collection, and colony health assessment.
  
• The applicant must have demonstrated data management and analytical abilities.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience overseeing research throughout all stages, from experimental design through publication of findings
  
• Published peer-reviewed articles, scientific reports, and scientific communication
  
• Demonstrated grantsmanship
  
• Experience in molecular biology and microbial techniques (Ideal candidates will have experience performing molecular laboratory techniques and/or experience researching honey bees (For example, qPCR, microscopy, microbial strain maintenance and selection, RNAi, or other laboratory techniques useful for studies of pests and/or pathogens and the insect immune system are beneficial.
  
• They will be proficient in statistics and the scientific publication process.
  
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver's license by time of hire
  

Additional Information:
Area/College:
College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name:
Entomology
City, State, Zip:
Pullman, WA 99163
Department Link:
https://entomology.wsu.edu/
For any questions, query, or additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Brandon Hopkins at [email protected] .
Annual Salary:
$65,828.00 - $74,568.00
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts.
For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty visit:
https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Benefit-Overview-for-Faculty-and-AP.pdf
Find total compensation information here: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/ .
FTE:
100%
Position Type:
This is a temporary position. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend.
Posting Close Date:
Applicants must submit their completed application by April 28, 2024 at 11:59 PM.
Background Check:
This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Application Instructions:
Applicants must attach the following documents to their online application: 1) resume and 2) cover letter. Applicants are required to include contact information for three (3) professional references within the application.
Required Documents:
1) Cover letter - The cover letter should address all the required qualifications for the position and identify your areas of expertise
2) Current curriculum vitae
3) Names and contact information for three (3) people willing to serve as references.
Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected] .
To apply, visit https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WSU_Jobs/job/Pullman-WA/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate_R-11519
Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer.
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