USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship Chemical Ecology in Insect-Plant-Microbe Interactions

Location and Unit

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), within the Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research Unit located in Hilo, Hawaii.

The mission of the Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research Unit is to develop pre‑ and postharvest technologies and management strategies for invasive pests, and to open and maintain market access and improved quality of tropical fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops grown in the Pacific Basin. This project emphasizes ecological and experimental approaches to olfactory mediated insect‑host‑microbe interactions, including studies involving physiological state, gnotobiotic systems, and manipulations of olfactory and ionotropic receptor pathways to test causal relationships between sensory perception and behavior.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will engage in team‑based research on the chemical ecology of invasive Tephritid fruit flies, with the overarching goal of understanding how plant host, microbial, and food‑derived volatiles influence fruit fly ecology, foraging behavior, and reproduction. Research activities will include the behavioral characterization of relevant odor sources; isolation and identification of behaviorally active chemical cues from host plants, food substrates, and microbes;

identification of key compounds that mediate behavior in specific physiological states; and the development of candidate compounds or blends with potential application as lures for surveillance or management of fruit flies. Microbial ecology approaches, including profiling of microbe‑derived volatiles, will be used as complementary tools to link microbial communities with insect behavioral responses.

Through structured mentorship, the participant will gain experience in planning research activities, experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific dissemination. This opportunity also provides exposure to cutting‑edge methods in chemical ecology, insect‑microbe interactions, and microbial ecology, with additional opportunities to learn functional genomics techniques and strengthen scientific writing skills. This training will prepare the participant for independent research in integrative chemical ecology, insect‑microbe interaction biology, or applied ecological and molecular sciences.

Dong Cha (dong.cha)

Start Date: September 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on various factors.

Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Participation Level: Full‑time.

Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. Citizens only.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g., Entomology, Microbiology, Chemistry, etc.).

• Experience with chemical ecology approaches and techniques
• Experience in insect behavioral research
• Experience in isolating and identifying behavior‑modifying chemical compounds
• Experience in isolating, identifying, and culturing yeasts and bacteria
• Experience working with insect antennae, maxillary palps, and associated receptor systems