Postdoctoral Researcher: Plant-Based Bee Health Research

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA Agricultural Research Service in Peoria, Illinois seeks a doctoral candidate for a full-time research opportunity focused on discovering plant-based compounds to control Varroa mites and honeybee pathogens. The project blends laboratory experiments with outdoor fieldwork to study treatments under real conditions.

Responsibilities include designing field and lab experiments, sampling pests, isolating plant compounds, and analyzing complex biological data.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in Life Health and Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Ecology, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct field and laboratory experiments.
• Monitor honey bee colonies and sample pests.
• Isolate and identify plant compounds with bioactivity.
• Perform molecular biology assays (e.g., PCR, RT-qPCR).
• Analyze complex biological datasets.
• Conduct large-scale field tests of candidate treatments under real weather conditions.
• Assess effects of treatments on honey bee immunity, colony function and behavior.

Skills

Honey bee handling

Experiment design

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Education

Doctoral degree in Life Health/Medical Sciences or related field

Job description

USDA Agricultural Research Service in Peoria, Illinois seeks a doctoral candidate for a full-time research opportunity focused on discovering plant-based compounds to control Varroa mites and honeybee pathogens. The project blends laboratory experiments with outdoor fieldwork to study treatments under real conditions.

Responsibilities include designing field and lab experiments, sampling pests, isolating plant compounds, and analyzing complex biological data.