USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-MWA-

7/31/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Peoria, Illinois – National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the USDA’s in‑house scientific research agency whose mission is to find solutions to agricultural problems from field to table. The National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) is among the largest agricultural research centers in the United States, focusing on improving production, food safety and public health, economic development, and environmental quality.

This project focuses on discovering and developing novel tools and strategies for controlling honeybee pests and pathogens. Activities include monitoring experimental honeybee colonies, sampling Varroa mites, conducting bioassays to identify plant extracts that kill Varroa mites or their vectored pathogens without harming bees, large‑scale field experiments, and evaluations of treatment effects on bee immunity, colony functions, and behavior.

• Design and conduct field and laboratory experiments.
• Sample and identify honey bee pests and pathogens.
• Isolate and purify plant compounds.
• Detail molecular characterization of honey bee health.
• Analyze complex biological datasets.

Ephantus Muturi (Ephantus.

Muturi).

Anticipated August 2026 – flexible depending on various factors.

Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation and contingent on funding availability.

Full time.

Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience; anticipated annual stipend is $74,678.

U.S. citizens only.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree
• Discipline(s):
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Agriculture
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Biology (General)
  • Ecology
  • Ecosystem Ecology
  • Entomology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Toxicology
  • Zoology (General)

• Experience and interest in handling honey bees.
• Experience and interest in designing and conducting experiments under controlled (laboratory and greenhouse) and field conditions.
• Hands‑on experience in isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from plants, and/or molecular biology skills such as PCR, RT‑qPCR, RNAi, and sequencing.
• Basic data analysis skills.

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Participants are not employees and do not receive employment‑related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required.