The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (TPGMBRU) in Hilo, Hawaii, is seeking a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, (Research Biologist or Research Computational Biologist) for a TWO-YEAR APPOINTMENT.

Ph.D. is required. Starting salary is $75,640 per annum plus benefits.

Citizenship restrictions apply as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B).   

The incumbent will investigate the structure, function, and epigenetic control of genes on the X and Y chromosomes of fruit flies in the insect family Tephritidae which are major agricultural pests of specialty crops. Using full-length transcriptome sequencing and ATAC-Seq, the incumbent will explore chromosome-scale genome assemblies to evaluate changes in gene content on the X and Y chromosomes across taxa. The goal of this project is to better understand sex chromosome evolution in Tephritidae and apply knowledge of sex-specific gene function to pest management.

The incumbent will be responsible for guided experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. To support the research and training of the postdoctoral research associate, the research unit has expertise in arthropod genomics and houses a multi-million dollar genomics laboratory highlighted by a suite of high-throughput sequencing platforms (PacBio Revio, Oxford Nanopore Promethion , and Element Aviti) for which the researcher can gain hands on experience with library preparation and sequencing if desired.

Additionally, high-performance compute infrastructure is available, including hardware focused on AI approaches which can be utilized by this project, including training and professional development opportunities in bioinformatics and data science and a large network of scientists and postdoctoral research fellows as your peers.

This role is not remote. Projected start date is flexible and contingent on background clearance. Send application materials and references to Dr. Sheina Sim by e-mail (sheina.sim@usda.gov).

USDA/ARS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• PhD in Biology, Evolution, Genetics, Entomology or related field with degree conferred at the time of hiring

• Demonstration of excellent written and oral communication

• Experience with manual gene annotation

• Comfort with high-throughput sequence data analysis

• Comfort with BASH, R, and command-line usage on an HPC

• Comfort with Python3, Git, and workflow management

• Experience with differential expression and epigenetic peak analysis

• Experience in entomological systems