Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Molecular Approaches for Detection of Aquatic Invasive Species

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Tennessee State University
as your Employer of Choice Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Molecular Approaches for Detection of Aquatic Invasive Species Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.

Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.

An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section.

You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Molecular Approaches for Detection of Aquatic Invasive Species

Division

Division College of Agriculture

Department

Department TSU Ag and Envir Research

Number of hours per week

Number of hours per week 37.5

Days to be worked

Months per year

Months per year Fiscal (12 months)

If modified, list months

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Campus

Campus Main Campus

If other location, please indicate

Position Number

Position Number 118675

Advertised Salary

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Monthly

Job Description

The Wildlife Ecology Laboratory ( WEL ) at Tennessee State University ( TSU ) is seeking a post-doctoral research associate to utilize environmental DNA as an early screening tool for aquatic invasive species in National Forests throughout the southeast United States. In addition to refining molecular approaches to screen for aquatic invasive species, the project will aim to compare eDNA screening approaches to traditional aquatic survey methods.

The postdoc will work collaboratively with researchers from the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station and Clemson University and will be expected to lead research efforts related to sample processing and post-processing of genome-scale bioinformatics data. The successful candidate will be expected to assist with mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in the WEL . In addition to the primary project responsibilities, there will be opportunities to assist with other ongoing wildlife research projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field and have a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications, including at least one first author publication. Required skillsets include effective writing and quantitative skills, and prior experience with molecular approaches, including quantitative PCR , metabarcoding, and post-processing of genome-scale bioinformatics data. Other preferred skillsets include proficiency with the R statistical analysis platform and prior experience with occupancy and species distribution models.

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.

Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.

An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section.

You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.

Open Date

Open Date 08/12/2026

Close Date

Close Date 08/26/2026

Job Category

Job Category Administrative/Professional

Requisition Number

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes:

• annual leave (vacation)
• sick leave
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• retirement
• flexible benefits plans
• more

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).