"Postdoctoral Research Associate"

Job Summary/Basic Function

Agriculture Research Development Program ( ARDP ) in the College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture ( CESTA ) at Central State University is seeking 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 the 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. Postdoctoral scientist is expected to design and perform procedures/techniques for the extraction of DNA / RNA using standard molecular methods for sequencing analysis, physiological assay, behavioral experiments, and advanced knowledge in RNA -seq, GWAS, and epigenomic sequencing technologies. Scientists are willing to learn new technologies and expected to supervise and mentor student researchers (under-represented minority) and assist with routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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, managements, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates are required to include with their applications:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Contact information of three references

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Other Document
5. Unofficial Transcripts

Position Category

Staff - Monthly (Exempt)