Postdoctoral Research Associate

Candidates are required to include with their applications:

• Research Statement
• Contact information of three references

Agriculture Research Development Program (ARDP) in the College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA) at Central State University is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to fulfill obligations for a new USDA research grant performing field and lab research experiments. The position is a 12-month appointment, with renewal each year up to three years based on performance/progress and funding situation. The salary is competitive with full benefits as a full-time employee.

The candidate should have experience with honeybee behavioral genetics and genomics. The postdoctoral scientist is expected to design and perform procedures/techniques for the extraction of DNA/RNA using standard molecular methods for sequencing analysis, physiological assays, behavioral experiments, and advanced knowledge in RNA-seq, GWAS, and epigenomic sequencing technologies. Scientists are willing to learn new technologies and are expected to supervise and mentor student researchers (under-represented minority) and assist with routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

· Perform complex field and laboratory experiments for queen rearing, instrumental inseminations, behavioral experiments, physiological experiments, prepare samples for sequencing.

· Follow QA/QC protocols and design SOPs that comply with Standard Methods.

· Use LIMS for documentation of QA/QC/Standards/Research/Other samples.

· Direct routine molecular biology procedures.

· Direct preparation of equipment, samples, reagents, media, and solutions for use in the laboratory.

· Prepare and submit all necessary reports and related research manuscripts to research faculty/PI.

· Ensure maintenance of chemical inventory and laboratory equipment.

· Data entry, management, and summarization.

· Perform bioinformatic analysis using programming skills in computational biology.

· Assist researchers with statistically valid data analysis and interpretation.

· Assistance with preparing research findings for presentations and publications.

· Meet with research faculty/PI weekly to discuss work projects and outputs and assign priorities.

· Mentor and work with undergraduate students for research.

· Facilitate operation of the lab and assist the faculty/students.

· Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

• Bachelors in Entomology, Evolutionary Biology, Genomics, Animal breeding, Ecology, Cellular, Developmental Biology, or other relevant biology sciences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledgeable of data entry management and presentation skills.

· Knowledge and skills in bee genomics, genetics, molecular biology, cellular or developmental biology for at least 2 years.

· Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in insect genomics/transcriptomics.

· Experience and interest in mentoring/teaching students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

· Must be organized and detail-oriented with the ability to work under limited supervision.

· Ability to produce outcomes under strict deadlines.

· Experience using single-cell sequencing, nanopore direct-sequencing, or Illumina sequencing.

· Knowledge and skills in bioinformatics, data science, programming, or computational biology for at least 2 years.

Posting Number: 0801485

Open Until Filled:
Yes