USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Insect Genetics and Molecular Biology

USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Insect Genetics and Molecular Biology

Join to apply for the USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Insect Genetics and Molecular Biology role at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

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To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

2/27/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Lab and

Location:

The Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology research unit at the Pacific Basin Agriculture Research Center in Hilo, HI focuses on the fundamental biology of tropical pests of Hawaii and building a foundation for improving current pest control.

https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The research opportunity is available to a motivated postdoctoral fellow interested in learning and using contemporary functional genomics approaches (CRISPR, RNAi, transgenics, etc.) to characterize the functions of genes involved in biological development, reproduction, sex determination, and/or olfaction/chemical sensing in tephritid pests of agriculture. The postdoc will have the opportunity to explore their gene(s) of interest that will contribute to the foundational knowledge of tephritids.

The research will allow the postdoc to develop and/or improve biological control (genetic SIT, gene‑drive, release of insects carrying dominant lethal systems, etc.) in tephritids by integrating or exploiting genes involved in fundamental biology. The postdoc will also develop and/or apply new and emerging genetic tools to tephritids, attend professional conferences, participate in grant writing, and lead and/or contribute to manuscript writing.

In this opportunity, the participant will learn and receive training in functional genomics and gain experience with insect gene manipulation, insect transgenesis, insect husbandry and strain isolation, plasmid design and construction, and in developing and/or applying new biotechnology to insects. The participant will have the opportunity to take online courses to expand their scientific and/or computational experiences and collaborate with other scientists is also available and highly encouraged.

Chan Heu (chan.heu)

Anticipated

Start Date:

April 2026 (flexible)

Length:
Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and contingent on availability of funds.

Participation Level: Full time.

The current stipend is approximately $77,000/year but may be adjusted commensurate with education or experience. Health insurance supplement will be provided. Funds can be made available to support relocation.

U.S. citizen only.

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.

Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Pacific West and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in a relevant field (Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Entomology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, or similar), or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by June 2026. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

• Track record of publication in peer‑reviewed journals, grant writing, and delivering oral presentations

Janeen