Junior Researcher (0085986T, CTAHR/PEPS)

University of Hawai'i; Hilo (HI, AR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Hawai'i is seeking a Junior Researcher to join the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience.

The role focuses on genomics and molecular biology of invasive Tephritid fruit flies, supporting strain development for sterile insect techniques, and contributing to peer‑reviewed publications.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in genetics, molecular biology, biology, entomology or related field from a college or university of recognized standing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in the laboratory on genomics and molecular biology of invasive Tephritid fruit flies supporting strain development for the sterile insect technique.
• Publication of results in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present data at national and international meetings.

Skills

Genomics

Molecular biology

Laboratory skills

Education

Master’s degree in genetics or related field

Job description

Summary

Title: Junior Researcher

Position Number: 0085986T

Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (PEPS)

Location: Komohana Research Extension Center, Hilo, HI; Hawaii Island

Closing Date: September 24, 2026, 11:59PM HST

Monthly Type: 11 Month

Tenure Track: Non-Tenure

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Additional Salary Information: Faculty Salary Schedule

Other Conditions: This position is subject to availability of funding and renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance, staffing requirements, and/or availability of funding. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted by September 24, 2026, 11:59PM HST. Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct research in the laboratory on genomics and molecular biology of invasive Tephritid fruit flies supporting strain development for the sterile insect technique.
2. Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals.
3. Present data at national and international meetings.

* Denotes essential functions

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in genetics, molecular biology, biology, entomology or related field from a college or university of recognized standing.
2. Demonstrated accuracy, alertness and adaptability.

Desirable Qualifications

1. PhD in genetics, molecular biology, biology, entomology or related field from a college or university of recognized standing.
2. Research experience in molecular biology and genomics utilizing emerging NGS based approaches both at the wet lab and computational levels.
3. Experienced in analysis of NGS data, focusing on de novo genome assembly, gene annotation, epigenetic analysis, comparative genomics, and variant calling.
4. Knowledge of Linux/unix, scripting, and light programming (python, java, etc).
5. Strong interpersonal skills.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Note: Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.

Inquiries: Dr. Dan Rubinoff, [e-mail]

Examples of duties

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/