Two postdoc positions - USDA ARS Stoneville, MS

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Are you interested in working with our research unit? We're hiring *TWO* postdoctoral researchers to work project broadly related to pollinator health... A really wide range of topics are included and could be honey bees or wild bees, biodiversity, conservation, plant-pollinator interactions, agroecosystems, etc.

I'm not the main contact for the positions, but if you're interested and want to chat, I'm more than willing to answer questions about the research unit or about living and doing research in small town rural America.

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Dr. Katherine A. Parys (she/her/hers)

USDA Agricultural Research Service

Southern Pollinator Health Center

Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystems Research Unit

141 Experiment Station Rd./ PO Box 346

Stoneville, MS 38776

katheri...@usda.gov

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The Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystem Research Unit (https://www.ars.usda.gov/southeast-area/stoneville-ms/pollinator-health-in-southerncrop-ecosystems-research/) of the Agricultural Research Service is searching for postdoctoral researchers (2 vacancies) in Ecology/Entomology/Biology. This is a full time, term appointment initially for 1 year, with possible yearly extension(s) contingent on performance and funding availability. The researcher will be working on projects relating to pollinator health in intensive agricultural systems in cooperation with multiple stakeholders in Stoneville, MS. The incumbent will have the flexibility of working on a wide range of topics relating to pollinator health in natural and agricultural landscapes focusing on nutritional ecology, plant-pollinator mutualisms, insect physiology, chemistry and/or toxicology. The primary goal will be to (i) improve the health of pollinators (managed honey bees as well as native bees) during these periods of changing climatic conditions, (ii) reduce the impact of stressors, including pesticides, pests, and pathogens on pollinators and (iii) develop ecosystem level approaches to sustain plant-pollinator populations and mutualisms for conserving bee and plant biodiversity sustainably in the face of large-scale agriculture.   

Specifics: This position requires a thorough knowledge of insect behavioral ecology and insect physiology. Additional preferred qualifications include strong theoretical and statistical skills, and proficiency in experimental design and data analyses. Supplemental knowledge of molecular techniques (to identify pollen source, genotype bees etc.) and floral chemistry are desirable. Willingness to work with bees in lab and field settings and learn beekeeping skills is a positive. Demonstrated ability in oral and written communication of research results is required.  

Qualification requirements: PhD. in biological sciences or related disciplines. Applicants must also meet U.S. citizenship or permanent residents who meet certain eligibility requirements may apply. Additional information on the employment of noncitizens can be found at this link. To apply for the position, please send (1) cover letter detailing your interest and fit for the position, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) contact information for three professional references, and (4) unofficial transcripts to pierr...@usda.gov. Review of applicants begin on Friday, December 1, 2023 and will be ongoing.  

*ARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider*