USDA-ARS Research Fellow for Biological Control of Emerald Ash Borer

Conservation Maven; Newark (DE); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The USDA Agricultural Research Service Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit at the University of Delaware in Newark, DE, invites applications for a nine-month, full-time appointment to study host associations of introduced biological control agents with emerald ash borer (EAB).

You will gain hands-on experience rearing EAB and parasitoids, conduct field and lab experiments across the United States, and develop skills in data management and curation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field completed within the past five years.
• Experience in insect rearing and biological control research preferred.
• Ability to enter and curate experimental data accurately.

Responsibilities

• Assist in rearing and maintaining colonies of emerald ash borer (EAB) and parasitoids.
• Conduct field and laboratory experiments to study host associations.
• Enter, curate, and manage experimental data from EAB studies.

Skills

Insect rearing

Field and lab experiments

Data management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and applications may close before the deadline.

ARSOffice/Lab and Location:

A research opportunityis currently available withthe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

The USDA ARS Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit, located on the University of Delaware campus in Newark, Delaware, maintains a certified quarantine facility that enables pioneering research on the biological control of invasive agricultural and forest insect pests.

Research Project:

Under guidance of the mentor, you will assist in determiningthe host associations of introduced biological control agents with the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) and other related pests. Part of this research will be quantifyingthe impacts of these introduced agents on pest population densities in long-term EAB biological control study sites.Research activities will occur both in a laboratory quarantine facility and in agricultural fields or forests across the United States.

Learning Objectives: During the appointment, you will;

• Gain hands-on experience rearing and maintaining colonies of emerald ash borer (EAB) and its larval and egg parasitoids.
• Learn to conduct field and laboratory experiments to assess host associations between field-collected parasitoids, emerald ash borer, and related Agrilus beetle species.
• Develop skills in entering, curating, organizing, and managing experimental data generated from EAB and parasitoid studies.

Mentor(s):T

he mentor forthis opportunity is Jian Duan( [e-mail] ). If you have questions about the nature of the research,please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date:

October 30, 2026.Start date is flexible and willdepend on a variety offactors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for nine months, but may berenewed uponrecommendation of ARSand is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation:

The appointment is full time.

Citizenship Requirements:

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information:

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS.Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 1/31/2027.

Preferred skills:

• Candidates with experiences in rearinginsects and biological control research are preferred
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 1/31/2027 11:59:00 PM.