Postdoctoral Research Associate: Ecology and Management of Spotted-Wing Drosophila
University of Georgia
Application
Details
Posted: 26-Sep-24
Location: Athens, Georgia
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Postdoc
Required Education:
Doctorate
A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia to work on ecology and management of spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii. The primary goals of the research project are to investigate different aspects of biology and ecology of SWD, and develop sustainable management programs. The postdoctoral scientist will be responsible for the design and conduct of laboratory and field research projects, data analysis, and reporting of results as peer-reviewed publications. Specifically, the scientist is expected to work directly with grower cooperators and extension personnel to design and implement field scale research experiments. The potential areas of research emphasis include seasonal biology and behavior of SWD, effectiveness of insecticides and alternative management strategies to control SWD and non-target impacts, and insecticide resistance mechanisms and management. This will involve travel to the field sites including occasional overnight stays during the field season. Additionally, opportunities will be available to engage in student supervision and gain experience in outreach programs.
The successful candidate must 1) have a Ph.D. in Entomology or a closely related discipline; 2) have substantial training and experience in insect ecology, insecticide toxicology, and applied entomological research (experimental design, data collection, and data analysis); 3) demonstrated record in peer-reviewed publications; 4) be comfortable working independently in laboratory and in the field; and 5) be able to effectively communicate with farmers, county extension agents and other researchers.
The University of Georgia (UGA), a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities, is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). UGA is currently ranked among the top 15 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA was founded in 1785 by the Georgia General Assembly as the first state-chartered University in the country. UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 39,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 9,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.