Post-Doctoral Associate
Job Description
Full job description
Required Qualifications:
A PhD in entomology, horticulture, ecology, insect pathology, applied biology or related field is required.
Published research, previous lab research, and lab experience is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with LC50 toxicology studies, and molecular techniques.
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Postdoctoral Associate (9546)
Department of Entomology
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
University of Minnesota St Paul, MN
Recruiting for a Postdoctoral Associate position (jobcode 9546) researching the Biocontrol of Japanese
beetles (JB) and jumping worms (JW) in the Department of Entomology under the supervision of Dr.
Vera Krischik.
The PostDoc research position is available starting July 2024 for performing research on managing
Japanese beetle (JB) and jumping worms (JW) through microbial biocontrol and biopesticides involving
1. The use and refinement of a qPCR assay; 2. Detection of pathogens in MN state surveys; 3. Use of
pheromone traps to disseminate the pathogen in lab studies; and 4. Comparison of current microbial
and conventional insecticides on survival in standard acute toxicity tests for JB and JW.
JB research on biocontrol involves a native, microsporidian pathogen Ovavesicula popilliae that lines the
malpighian tubules of adults and grubs and was discovered in Connecticut in 1985 by Andreadis.
Females produce half the number of eggs when infected and overwintering mortality is around 32%.
Research will involve surveying and collecting adult JB in vineyards and hop farms and identifying the
pathogen through qPCR. Also, the efficacy of microbial, conventional, and novel pesticides on JB and JW
will be tested by LC50 studies. A lab website is available to read more details
at https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu. The research will be accomplished with the help of a UMN
arboretum researcher and a lab manager.
Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):
40% Research using qPCR analysis to determine the presence of the pathogen
40% Research on comparing impact on Japanese beetles of available microbial and conventional
insecticides in standard toxicology tests.
20% Analyzing data, writing reports, giving talks, and preparing manuscripts for publication.
Anticipated Start Date: July 1 2024
Job posting: Review of applications will begin ASAP but will continue until filled.
About the Department of Entomology
The Department of Entomology conducts research and educates people about the science of
entomology, emphasizing the systematic, biodiversity, biology, ecology and importance of insects and
their relatives in relation to human welfare, and the maintenance of a healthy environment.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
A PhD in entomology, horticulture, ecology, insect pathology, applied biology or related field is required.
Published research, previous lab research, and lab experience is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with LC50 toxicology studies, and molecular techniques.
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Postdoctoral Associate (9546)
Department of Entomology
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
University of Minnesota St Paul, MN
Recruiting for a Postdoctoral Associate position (jobcode 9546) researching the Biocontrol of Japanese
beetles (JB) and jumping worms (JW) in the Department of Entomology under the supervision of Dr.
Vera Krischik.
The PostDoc research position is available starting July 2024 for performing research on managing
Japanese beetle (JB) and jumping worms (JW) through microbial biocontrol and biopesticides involving
1. The use and refinement of a qPCR assay; 2. Detection of pathogens in MN state surveys; 3. Use of
pheromone traps to disseminate the pathogen in lab studies; and 4. Comparison of current microbial
and conventional insecticides on survival in standard acute toxicity tests for JB and JW.
JB research on biocontrol involves a native, microsporidian pathogen Ovavesicula popilliae that lines the
malpighian tubules of adults and grubs and was discovered in Connecticut in 1985 by Andreadis.
Females produce half the number of eggs when infected and overwintering mortality is around 32%.
Research will involve surveying and collecting adult JB in vineyards and hop farms and identifying the
pathogen through qPCR. Also, the efficacy of microbial, conventional, and novel pesticides on JB and JW
will be tested by LC50 studies. A lab website is available to read more details
at https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu. The research will be accomplished with the help of a UMN
arboretum researcher and a lab manager.
Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):
40% Research using qPCR analysis to determine the presence of the pathogen
40% Research on comparing impact on Japanese beetles of available microbial and conventional
insecticides in standard toxicology tests.
20% Analyzing data, writing reports, giving talks, and preparing manuscripts for publication.
Anticipated Start Date: July 1 2024
Job posting: Review of applications will begin ASAP but will continue until filled.
About the Department of Entomology
The Department of Entomology conducts research and educates people about the science of
entomology, emphasizing the systematic, biodiversity, biology, ecology and importance of insects and
their relatives in relation to human welfare, and the maintenance of a healthy environment.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
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