USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Invasion Ecology Management of Spotted Lanternflies

Position: USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Invasion Ecology and the Management of Spotted Lantern flies
Location: Kearneysville

USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Invasion Ecology and the Management of Spotted Lantern flies

Join to apply for the USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Invasion Ecology and the Management of Spotted Lantern flies role at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
.

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

How to Apply

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations
• A copy of an abstract or reprint of an article

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-NEA-

Final date to receive applications

1/16/2026 10:11:13 AM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Kearneysville, West Virginia at Appalachian Fruit Research Station.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting‑edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well‑being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources;

and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Research Project

The postdoctoral fellow will gain experience by conducting research on the biology, ecology and behavior of the invasive spotted lantern fly, and their impact on grapevines. Areas of research include chemical ecology, insect behavior and integrated pest management with proposed outputs including novel attractants and improved monitoring tools for detecting presence, relative abundance and seasonal activity of spotted lantern fly in vineyards. Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will conduct independent research in both laboratory and field settings and also participate in multi‑institutional team‑based research efforts.

The fellow will also have the opportunity to analyze and present their data at regional and national conferences and stakeholder events. Additionally, the fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate on additional aspects of this research including eDNA detection methods, dispersal behavior, and biological control.

Learning Objectives

• Conducting independent research aimed at developing sustainable management tactics for invasive species
• Conducting chemical ecology studies with the invasive spotted lantern fly to identify potential attractants or repellents
• Participating in studies aimed at managing spotted lantern fly at a landscape level
• Collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary, multi‑institutional team
• Preparing and submitting peer‑reviewed publications
• Preparing and presenting presentations at scientific and stakeholder meetings

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Tracy Leskey (tracy.leskey). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

January 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment 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.

Level of Participation

The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $7,000 monthly.

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