A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Precision Pest Ecology Lab at North Carolina State University to work on an emerging issue with Drosophila spp. and the causal agent for black rot of sweetpotato, Ceratocystis fimbriata. The research focuses on characterizing the role of insect vectors in mechanical transmission cycles of black rot during storage of sweetpotato roots. The incumbent will investigate temporal patterns of target species to better understand environmental conditions favoring rapid population growth. Additionally, this position will collaborate closely with the laboratory of Dr. Lina Quesada at NC State to leverage existing molecular techniques for C. fimbriata detection on flies. Both programs are located in the fourth floor of the new Plant Sciences Building at NC State University providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as opportunity for interdisciplinary collaborations.
This position will involve a combination of field ecology and computational approaches to understand patterns of pest abundance and disease cycles. The successful candidate will be expected to design and implement sampling plans, complete molecular assays, analyze results, and summarize information. The position will include a combination of the following tasks: on-farm work in sweetpotato storage houses; data analysis and modeling; manuscript preparation; presentation of results at grower-oriented stakeholder and national scientific meetings. Required skills include proficiency in statistical modeling platforms and a working knowledge of molecular techniques. The successful candidate will have a PhD in entomology, plant pathology, ecology, or integrative biology, and will work effectively in a team research setting. Strong candidates will have experience in epidemiology and temporal data analysis.
This position has two years of funding available with year two appointment contingent on performance. A start date of June 1, 2022 is preferred, but alternative start dates will be considered. All questions about the position should be submitted to Anders Huseth (ashuseth@ncsu.edu).
Please submit application information here: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/159968
Applications should include:
· A two page cover letter that highlights past research accomplishments and future research goals
· Curriculum Vitae
· Names and contact information for three references
Review of application materials will begin May 1, 2022 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
NCSU is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.