Post-doctoral research associate biological control of invasive weeds
USDA ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, Fort Lauderdale, FL
The USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is
currently seeking a post-doctoral associate for a project involving the
implementation and evaluation of classical biological control agents targeting
Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum, in the greater Everglades
ecosystem.
BACKGROUND
Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum, was introduced
to Florida for horticultural use and was first reported as naturalized in 1965.
It is now widespread in wetland and mesic habitats in south and central
Florida. Lygodium microphyllum invades both disturbed and ecologically
sensitive areas, degrading habitats and reducing ecosystem services. The vine
has indeterminate rachis growth and can climb 20 meters or more into trees or
extend horizontally and often forms dense monocultures. It produces incredible
numbers of windborne spores that can be self-compatible. Lygodium microphyllum
also forms a persistent rhizome, which is difficult to kill using traditional
techniques such as herbicide or prescribed burns, resulting in re-growth
post-treatment. Two biological control agents are currently available for
release against L. microphyllum in Florida: the moth Neomusotima conspurcatalis
(Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and the leaf-rolling mite Floracarus perrepae
(Acariformes: Eriophyidae). Both have a widespread but patchy distribution
throughout the expanding range of L. microphyllum in Florida.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to establish viable populations of N.
conspurcatalis and F. perrepae on Old World climbing fern in southern Florida
as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). To this end,
the post-doctoral associate will manage the mass rearing, release, evaluation,
and monitoring of these agents. The ultimate goal is to increase suppression of
Old World climbing fern throughout the CERP area.
APPROACH
The post-doctoral research associate will supervise mass
rearing of the agents and collaborate with the principle investigator in
developing a release and monitoring study design. The successful candidate will
also develop contacts and interact with cooperators and land managers from
various agencies, participate in a field-based evaluation of impacts, and will
be responsible for data collection, data analysis, and dissemination and
publication of results. The post-doctoral associate will also participate in
other related research activities as directed.
POSITION DETAILS
The successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent
resident seeking citizenship recently awarded a Ph.D. in entomology, ecology or
related field. This position is a GS-11 temporary 2 year appointment, depending
on funding, that can be renewed once, with the total appointment not to exceed
4 years. The position is available immediately. No relocation expenses will be
paid. Send CV, transcripts, and contact information for three references to
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> by 5:00 PM EST December
12, 2017.
Ellen Lake, Ph.D.
Research Entomologist
USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory
3225 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Office: 954-475-6547
Fax: 954-476-9169
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