THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The incumbent serves as a Research Associate at the Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in Miami, Florida.  Research will encompass studies on insect chemical ecology, using a combination of behavioral bioassays, field tests and electrophysiology to identify new and/or improved semiochemical attractants for detection and control of tephritid fruit flies and other invasive insect pests. The primary research responsibility will be isolation and identification of biologically active semiochemicals from liquid protein baits, sugar-based baits and host fruit, especially those that will lead to the development of female attractants for several Anastrepha spp. including the Caribbean and West Indian fruit flies. The Research Associate designs and executes research experiments, performs behavioral bioassays and field tests, collects volatile chemicals, quantifies chemoreceptive responses using electroantennography (EAG) from attractive substrates, and may also identify active semiochemicals through use of gas chromatography (GG) and other novel chemical techniques.  Experience in analytical chemical techniques such as GC and SPME are particularly desirable.  Incumbent will document results as scientific papers for publication in refereed journals.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Recent Ph.D. in Entomology or a related biological/physical science field is required.  Knowledge of insect behavior or neurobiology techniques is required, and experience in insect behavioral bioassays and/or field trials is highly desired.  Experience in electroantennography (EAG), gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is desirable.

INFORMATION ON SALARY AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS is available at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/hrdhomepage/vacancy/pd962.html

INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS is available at: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:

Robert R. Heath
Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, USDA/ARS
13601 Old Cutler Road
Miami , Fl 33158
Phone: 305-969-6429