Job Announcement: Postdoctoral Entomologist, Biological Control of Weeds Reply Due: June 29, 2012
The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) is advertising for a postdoctoral GS-0414-11/12 Entomologist. The position will be funded for one year with a possibility for extension for an additional 1-2 years. This notification is being circulated to inform prospective applicants of this upcoming opportunity and determine interest in the position. The position will be located in Volcano, Hawaii, (Big Island) within the PSW Conservation of Biodiversity Program at the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. The Entomologist will be a member of a collaborative research team which studies impacts and management of invasive plant species in Hawaiian forest ecosystems, including development of biological control agents. The primary duties and responsibilities of the position are to conduct ecological studies of natural enemies being evaluated as potential biological control agents for invasive plants in Hawaii. The incumbent will use studies in the native range and in a quarantine laboratory in Hawaii to evaluate insect agents for targeted weedy melastomes, particularly Miconia calvescens. The research is expected to provide information critical for determining suitability of selected species for introduction as biocontrol agents, leading to development of biocontrol as a tool for long term management of Miconia calvescens in Hawaiian forests. Objectives include: 1) developing procedures for successful propagation and testing of natural enemies of weedy melastomes; 2) evaluating host specificity of insect agents for Miconia calvescens and related species; and 3) evaluating impacts of agents on target plants. Methods include use of centrifugal phylogenetic host range testing, life history and behavioral observations, and other specialized techniques used in studies of insect-plant interactions. The incumbent will collaborate with unit scientists and technicians and external cooperators, working under supervision of the research entomologist who leads the Institute’s biocontrol program. The scientist will assist in planning and conducting field and laboratory studies and management and analysis of data, including entering and archiving data in accordance with established protocols, performing statistical analyses, and summarizing data in forms such as graphs, figures, and tables suitable for publication in scientific journals or for presentation at scientific meetings. The incumbent assists with preparation of journal articles and presentations for scientific meetings, and will be expected to write portions of such publications and may have senior authorship in some cases. The incumbent is expected to give presentations at scientific meetings, seminars, and other forums. The work will require international travel and standing and walking in steep, rough terrain, sometimes in inclement weather. If interested in this position, please send your curriculum vitae by no later than June 29, 2012 to: [email protected] Tracy Johnson, Research Entomologist Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, Conservation of Biodiversity Program Pacific Southwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service P.O. Box 236, Volcano, Hawaii 96785 tel: 808-967-7122 [email protected]
