*USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Opportunity in collaboration with UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology*
The research laboratories of John Beck <http://www.ars.usda.gov/pandp/people/people.htm?personid=39853>, USDA-ARS Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit located in Albany, CA and Rachel Vannette <http://rachelvannette.com>, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology are pleased to announce a position vacancy for a postdoctoral research associate. The position is funded for two years through the ARS Postdoctoral Research Associate Program <http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers/docs.htm?docid=1435> – Class of 2016. The selected candidate will conduct research on and develop methods to determine if pre-treatment of flowers with common floral-inhabiting microbes can 1) influence pollination and, 2) provide a biocontrol intervention of pathogenic microbe contamination of fruits in agricultural systems (e.g., toxigenic *Aspergillus *species infection, a food safety concern of several high-value commodities). The selected candidate will have demonstrated accomplishments in at least one of the following skills: ability to use sterile techniques to maintain cultures and conduct experiments using microorganisms; collect headspace volatiles (either static or dynamic) using current solid phase media (i.e., SPME, polymer-based SPE); analyze and identify collected volatiles via GC-MS, with experience using varying stationary phase columns; process, interpret, and summarize large data sets; literature searching; and, good oral and writing communication. Other useful skills include experience with: sequence analysis of microbial community composition; electrophysiological (e.g., GC-EAD) and/or behavioral studies of insects; conducting field experiments. The selected candidate *must be a U.S. citizen* and have earned a Ph.D. by the start date, and the Ph.D. be within the last four years. The Ph.D. should be in analytical chemistry, chemical ecology, microbiology, microbial ecology, plant science, or closely related field. The selected candidate will undergo a background investigation and fingerprint check. They will also be expected to identify promising areas of research within the project, define research goals, and complete the remainder of the research and reporting process. 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. To apply, please send a CV, research interests, and the contact information of three professional references to John Beck <[email protected]> ( [email protected]) and Rachel Vannette <[email protected]> ( [email protected]). Review of applications will take place in early November, but position will be open until filled with an approximate start date of January 2016 (flexible). -- Rachel L. Vannette, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Entomology and Nematology University of California, Davis Office: 37 Briggs Hall (basement) Email: [email protected] Phone: (616) 901-2782 Website: http://vannettelab.faculty.ucdavis.edu/ <http://rachelvannette.com>
