Position Function:
The Delta Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University is seeking a postdoctoral associate to head research projects addressing toxicology, immunology, and molecular biology of social insects, such as ants and honeybees with a primary focus on exploiting virus-like particles (VLPs). The incumbent will also have the freedom to conduct his or her own research if it falls within the scope of the lab research theme.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
This position is located at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS.
Area of Specialization:
Center for Pollinator Health--Utilizing virus-like particles (VLPs) in social insects.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
This is a full-time, postdoctoral position in the Center for Pollinator Health located at the Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville, MS. The incumbent will work on the toxicology, immunology, and molecular biology of social insects, such as ants and honeybees with a primary focus on exploiting virus-like particles (VLPs) in developing innovative methods and approaches in managing invasive ants, such as imported fire ants and tawny crazy ants, and utilization of VLPs for improving resistance of honey bees to their viruses as a second focus. Duties will include screening and engineering coat proteins of insect and plant viruses which can self-assemble into functional VLPs and used as carriers for delivering active ingredients, synergists for conventional insecticides, and vacancies for honeybee virus diseases.
Minimum Qualifications:
(1) A doctoral degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Entomology, Virology, or related field. (2) Experience in preparing and engineering virus-like particles as delivery carriers for biological agents, such as dsRNAs and/or small insecticidal molecules. (3) Demonstrated experience in insect related bioassays, molecular biology techniques, such as qRT-PCR, cloning, and western blot, and basic microbiology. (4) Experience in designing experiments, collecting scientific data, performing statistical analysis, presenting research results in scientific conferences, and publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. (5) Experience or willingness to work with invasive ants, such as imported fire ants and tawny crazy ants, and honey bees. (6) Proven track record in peer-reviewed scientific publications and grantsmanship. (7) Evidence of effective interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as working within an interdisciplinary team environment. (8) Excellent written and oral communication skills. (9) Demonstrable experience in statistical analysis of large datasets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail and excellent record keeping.
• Self-motivated individual who can take direction, but does not require direction.
• Able to work in a collaborative environment on team-based research.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Good dexterity as well as hand-eye coordination. The selected individual needs to be comfortable working with live bees. Physical strength and endurance are needed to perform strenuous outdoor work under hot, sunny field conditions.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and upload 1) one page cover letter that addresses your experiences and goals with respect to this position as well as how you meet the required and desired qualifications 2) curriculum vitae, 3) contact information of three professional references, and 4) unofficial transcripts (Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.)
Contact for additional information:
Dr. Esmaeil Amiri
Mississippi State University
Delta Research and Extension Center
P. O. Box 197
Stoneville, MS 38776
ea795@msstate.edu
Office: (662) 686-3215
Applications will be reviewed beginning June 28, 2024.
Screening Date:
June 28, 2024, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
