USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Entomology

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-SEA-

August 14, 2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southern Insect Management Research Unit located in Stoneville, Mississippi has a postdoctoral fellowship opportunity focused on developing integrated and sustainable approaches for monitoring and managing the two‑spotted cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttulla) in the southeastern United States.

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct ecological, behavioral, and applied research on pests of various row crops, including cotton, soybeans, corn, and sweet potatoes. Responsibilities include establishing a research program to understand the biology, ecology, behavior, and host preferences of cotton jassids; investigating the cotton jassid’s chemical ecology and developing monitoring tools and attract‑and‑kill strategies; studying the impact of agronomic and cultural practices;

evaluating the use of kaolin clay particle films; assessing the effect of micronutrients and biostimulants; collaborating with plant breeders on host plant resistance; and performing laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies to test pest management strategies.

• Design and conduct experiments in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings for monitoring and managing row crop pests.
• Collect, process, and analyze insect samples and characterize insect feeding and developmental biology.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation such as electrical penetration graph, gas chromatograph coupled electroantennogram (GC‑EAD), spectrophotometers, and other equipment.
• Write and communicate research findings through publications and presentations.

Justin George (justin.george)

April 15, 2026 (flexible)

One year, may be renewed upon recommendation and availability of funds.

Full time

The participant will receive an annual stipend of $74,678 to $97,087, paid monthly.

U.S. citizen only

• Experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and field research.
• Ability to collaborate in diverse and interdisciplinary teams.
• Independent and collaborative research experience.
• Published research findings in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of insect biology, behavior, and chemical ecology.
• Hands‑on experience in behavioral, chemical ecological, and toxicological bioassays, plant volatile collections, electrical penetration graph recordings, and host plant resistance studies.
• Competency developing integrated pest management approaches against cotton jassids and other row crop pests.
• Experience interacting with agricultural research groups.
• Excellent communication, writing, and statistical skills.
• Proficiency in R, SAS, or other statistical programs.

Doctoral degree in Entomology or a related field received within the past five years.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only.
• Degree:
  Doctoral degree received within the last 60 months.
• Discipline(s):
  Chemistry and Materials Sciences, Chemistry (General), Life Health and Medical Sciences.
• Veteran Status:
  Veterans Preference; degree received within the last 120 months.

Janeen