Research Associate (Post-doc) in Bumble Bee
Pathology at the USDA-ARS Logan Bee Lab
GS-0414-11 $57,982 (GS-11)
The USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit
(PIRU) in Logan, Utah is hiring a Research
Associate to investigate the role of pathogens in
bumble bee rearing and management to begin in
summer 2014. Under the direction of a Research
Entomologist, the incumbent will conduct field
and laboratory studies directed at understanding
the role of pathogens in bumble bee pollinated
agro-ecosystems. The assignment is to: 1)
investigate the parasite and pathogen communities
that occur in western North American bumble bees
and commercial bumble bee populations, 2) develop
techniques for rapid and accurate parasite and
pathogen detection where needed and 3) assess the
potential for pathogen movement among wild and
managed bumble bee populations in
agro-ecosystems. The primary mission of the PIRU
is the development of non-honey bee species as
managed, sustainable pollinators of agricultural
crops. The incumbents assignment is part of a
broader project focused on the development of
western North American bumble bees for commercial
use, a component of ARS National Program 305,
Crop Protection Bees & Pollination.
The incumbents specific research will be
performed in cooperation with a supervising
entomologist. The research associate will couple
field surveys with studies of lab-reared bumble
bees to investigate the dynamics of intra- and
inter-colony pathogen growth during the colony
cycle. Concurrently, both PCR-based and
microscopy-based detection methodology will be
developed and /or refined and tested on
lab-reared colonies and wild-caught bumble bees.
Using epidemiological models the incumbent will
identify potential pathways of spread and best
management practices to mitigate the risk of
pathogen outbreaks. The research is expected to
improve the sustainable management of bumble bees
in crop production. Additionally, methodology for
detection of parasites and pathogens will be
refined for use by producers. Findings will be
used by crop producers, bumble bee producers,
other scientists, and extension agents to enhance
pollination using bumble bees.
Submit a CV, cover letter and names of three references by March 17, 2014 to:
Dr. James Strange
USDA-ARS-PIRU
255 BNR, Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-5310
Inquiries can be directed to
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]
This position requires a Ph.D. in entomology,
invertebrate pathology, or a related field.
Knowledge of bee biology, epidemiological
modeling, pathology, or crop production systems,
or evidenced ability to learn such systems is
required. Hiring will be at the GS-11 level (approximately $57,982 per year).
The United States Government does not
discriminate in employment on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and
gender identity), national origin, political
affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status,
disability, genetic information, age, membership
in an employee organization, retaliation,
parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
