Postdoctoral Researcher (Insect Microbiome and Pest Control)

Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study insect-microbial symbioses and develop symbiont-mediated RNAi approaches for pest control. The role involves insect rearing, bioassays, molecular work, and data interpretation, with opportunities for manuscript preparation and grant writing.

The position is grant-funded for two years, on-site in the Entomology Department at LSU AgCenter in Baton Rouge, with potential extension

Qualifications

• This PhD position requires a PhD in Entomology or closely related discipline.
• Experience in NWS or related species, insect microbiomes, symbiosis, or RNA interference.
• Ability to plan experiments, troubleshoot, analyze data, and interpret findings.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on insect-microbial symbiosis and symbiont-mediated RNAi strategies.
• Perform insect rearing, bioassays, and microbiome analyses.
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to grant applications.

Skills

Entomology

Insect microbiomes

RNA interference

Independent research

Education

PhD in Entomology or closely related discipline

Tools

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR

qPCR

Cloning

Sequencing

Gene expression analysis

Job description

Job Posting Title: Postdoctoral Researcher (Insect Microbiome and Pest Control)

Position Type: Other Academic

Department: LSUAG PL1 - DE - Entomology (Honglin Feng (00081987))

Work Location: 0404 Life Sciences Building

Pay Grade: Other Academic

Job Description

This is a grant-funded, two-year position, with the potential for extension upon the availability of additional funding.

Work Location: On-site, Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Position Descriptio n: We are seeking one highly motivated, independent, and collaborative Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Feng lab, co-advised with Dr. Healy, at the Louisiana State University AgCenter. The successful candidate will lead research investigating insect-microbial symbiosis and developing symbiont-mediated RNAi strategies for NWS control, using proxy species.

The project will integrate insect rearing and bioassays, microbiome and symbiont characterization, molecular biology, RNAi technology, and functional analyses to establish and evaluate a symbiont-based gene-silencing platform. The position requires a strong foundation in entomology and practical research experience in one or more complementary areas, particularly insect microbiomes, insect-microbial symbiosis, molecular biotechnology, or RNAi. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to design and execute experiments independently, troubleshoot technical challenges, analyze and interpret research data, communicate findings effectively, and collaborate with researchers from multiple disciplines.

The Feng lab in the Department of Entomology at the Louisiana State University AgCenter conducts interdisciplinary research on insect-host-microbe interactions and develops innovative molecular biotechnology approaches for sustainable insect pest management. Our research integrates entomology, insect physiology, microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology to investigate insect-microbial symbioses and harness their potential for developing next-generation pest control strategies.

The Healy lab in the Department of Entomology at the Louisiana State University AgCenter is focused on applied research regarding medical/veterinary arthropod pests, including mosquitoes, ticks, and screwworms. Our program is always interested in developing IPM strategies that are both effective, but also have the smallest possible impacts to the environment and non-target organisms.

Additional Opportunities and Expectations: The postdoctoral researcher will have opportunities to contribute to related projects in insect-microbial interactions, molecular biotechnology, and sustainable pest management, depending on research progress, expertise, and mutual interests. The position will also provide opportunities to develop independent research ideas, prepare manuscripts, participate in scientific conferences, mentor trainees, and contribute to competitive grant applications. The appointment is subject to funding availability and institutional employment policies.

Qualification Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

• A Ph.D. in Entomology or a closely related discipline.
• Research experience in at least one or more of the following areas: NWS, or related species, insect microbiomes, insect-microbial symbiosis, or RNA interference.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, analyze data, and interpret research findings.
• Evidence of scientific writing skills and research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience relevant to the project, particularly:

• Insect rearing, handling, experimental bioassays, and assessment of insect biological traits.
• Molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gene expression analysis, cloning, and sequencing-based analyses.
• Microbial culture, bacterial genetics, genetic transformation, or other relevant microbial manipulation techniques.
• Bioinformatics, microbiome data analysis, statistical analysis, and visualization of molecular or biological datasets.
• Experience working on agricultural pests, livestock-associated insects, or other insects of agricultural or veterinary importance.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple experiments, maintain detailed records, and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative research team.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt experi