"Postdoctoral Research Associate in bee transportation"

Posting Details

Posting Number: 0801630

Classification Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in bee transportation

Department: College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture

Department Contact Email: hli-byarlay@centralstate.edu

Job Summary:

The Bee Research Lab (PI: Hongmei Li-Byarlay) at Central State University (1890 Land Grant Institution and HBCU ) is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to fulfill obligations for a new USDA CBG research on the stress of transportation to honeybees. The position is a 12-month appointment at the beginning. If the performance is satisfactory based on the first-year evaluation, the funding can be extended to another 1.5 years. The salary is competitive with full benefits and a retirement package as a full-time employee. The collaboration from Central State University and Michigan State University is to fill in the gap of knowledge on the effects of transportation on the behavior and physiology including immune response, pathogen prevalence, and pesticide resistance of honeybees. The research focuses on how transportation affects honeybee health by investigating the biotic and abiotic stresses in the bee colonies before, during, and after transportation. The candidate should have experience with bee viruses, CRISPR technology, cloning, PCRs, and molecular biology. The postdoctoral scientist is expected to design and perform procedures/techniques using standard molecular methods for gene expression analysis, genetic assay, behavioral experiments, and advanced knowledge of honeybee pathogens and viruses. The incumbent is willing to learn new technologies and is expected to supervise and mentor student researchers (under-represented minority). The salary range is between $49,000 – 52,000. The candidate must have a legal right to live and work in the United States.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform complex field (States of CA, GA, MI, OH, or related to the project) and laboratory experiments for bee molecular biology, genetics, and field behavioral experiments,
• Prepare samples for DNA / RNA extractions, PCRs, qPCRs, Illumina sequencing, and other molecular processes,
• Direct preparation of equipment, samples, reagents, media, and solutions for use in the Laboratory.
• Perform bioinformatic analysis using programming skills, data entry, management, and summarization, statistically valid data analysis and interpretation.
• Preparing research findings and reports for grant agencies, preparing research presentations and writing publications, preparing related research manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.
• Keep a detailed record of lab notebook, meet with CSU PI/Co-PI and MSU Co-PI weekly, to discuss work projects and outputs and assign priorities.
• Mentor and work with undergraduate students for research, facilitate the operation of the lab and assist the faculty/students.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Entomology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Genetics, or related STEM field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledgeable of data entry management and presentation skills.
• Science-driven and highly motivated for research and publications.

Posting Date: 07/30/2024

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications should be uploaded to the Central State Job Board Posting with a cover letter, a current CV, a research statement including research experience and future goals, and contact information of three professional references. The review of applications will start on Oct 1st, 2024, or until the position is filled. The expected start date is around Jan/Feb of 2025 or a consensus with the hiring candidate.

Position Category: Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary: Commensurate with experience

Required Documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts