POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on a two-year USDA-APHIS Grand Challenge project on the chemical ecology of the New World screwworm in South Texas. The fellowship involves laboratory and field research.

Under supervision, you will mentor graduate and undergraduate students, analyze data, and contribute to the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and dissemination of findings.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree from an accredited University with a degree in biology, entomology, chemistry, or related field.
• Experience with isolating and identifying plant compounds; chemical ecology and plant-insect interactions approaches.

Responsibilities

• Conduct NSW behavioral assays to characterize responses to ecologically relevant odor sources.
• Isolate, identify, and analyze chemical compounds from plants using GC-MS methods.
• Determine key VOCs that regulate screwworm fly behavior across different physiological conditions.
• Assist in developing ecological and habitat models to support surveillance and management strategies.
• Analyzing and interpreting the data and results; assisting in preparing progress reports.
• Leading the preparation of manuscripts for publication; drive university vehicles to field sites.

Skills

GC-MS methods

Ecology data analysis

Statistical modeling

Education

Doctoral degree in biology/entomology/chemistry or related field

Tools

GC-MS

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Office Location
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
1201 W. University Drive
Human Resources
MASS Building 2 nd Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539

• Edinburg: [phone]
• Brownsville: [phone]
• Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Faculty Recruitment:
College of Engineering & Computer Science: [e-mail]

Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship: [e-mail]

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
*Date of Birth
Gender
*Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [phone] and/or [e-mail].

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number SRGV9097

Working Title

Working Title POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Location

Location Edinburg, Texas

Department

Department College of Sciences/ Ctr VectrBrne Zoontc Emgng Dis

FTE

FTE 1

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Scope of Job

Postdoctoral Fellow will work on a two-year research project funded through the USDA - APHIS New World Screwworm ( NWS ) Grand Challenge grant investigating the chemical ecology of NWS. The project focuses on the ecology of NWS. Its primary goal is to determine how plant- and animal-derived volatile compounds influence screwworm fly behavior, ecology, and reproduction. The project will also include development of integrated vegetation-based habitat suitability and dispersal models for screwworm in South Texas. This will be achieved by combining high-resolution remote sensing data with ecological and landscape variables to identify areas of potential establishment and inform management or sterile insect release strategies. Under minimal supervision, the Fellow will collaborate with the Principal Investigators (PIs) to design and implement laboratory and field-based research experiments. The Fellow is also expected to mentor graduate and undergraduate students; assist with data analysis; and contribute to the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and dissemination of research findings.

Description of Duties

• Conducting NSW behavioral assays to characterize responses to ecologically relevant odor sources;
• Isolating, identifying, and analyzing chemical compounds from plants using GC-MS methods;
• Determining key VOCs that regulate screwworm fly behavior across different physiological conditions;
• Assist in developing ecological and habitat models to support surveillance and management strategies;
• Analyzing and interpreting the data and results;
• Assisting in preparing progress reports;
• Leading the preparation of manuscripts for publication;
• Drive university vehicles to field sites;
• Other job related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

General supervision from grant PI and Co-PIs.

Supervision Given

None.

Required Education

Doctoral degree from an accredited University with a degree in biology, entomology, chemistry, or related field.

Preferred Education

None.

Licenses/Certifications

As condition of employment this position requires the applicant to be authorized to operate a University-Owned Vehicle for Official University Business. Per University of Texas System Policy 157, applicants will be subject to a motor vehicle record check for their most recent thirty-six (36) month history. Out of State Drivers are required to submit a 36-month history MVR from their prior State of residence(s).

Required Experience

None.

Preferred Experience

Experience/training in isolating and identifying behavior-modifying plant compounds; Experience with chemical ecology, plant-insect interactions approaches and techniques; Experience in insect behavioral research; Background in statistical modeling in ecology.

Equipment

Use of personal computer and proficiency in software and research statistical applications. Use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and related research equipment.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office/research environment; some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Other

This is a trainee position subject to a specific time as agreed to by stakeholders.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category

Employment Category Full-Time

Minimum Salary

Minimum Salary Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date

Position Available Date 09/15/2026

Grant Funded Position

Grant Funded Position Yes

If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date 07/19/2028

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
Date of BirthGender
*Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [phone] and/or [e-mail].

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check ( CBC ). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of Human Resources.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).