Postdoctoral Researcher

Louisiana State University • Madison, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available within the Aquatic Plant Management Laboratory at Louisiana State University with a specific focus on developing new chemical, biological, and integrated pest management (IPM) control techniques for invasive aquatic plant species. This multidisciplinary project entails coordination of laboratory, mesocosm, and field research throughout Louisiana. Duties will include the design, establishment, maintenance, evaluation, collection, writing, and publication of data from small- and field-scale research studies. The applicant should also be able to coordinate, train, and supervise student and visiting scholars. In-state travel will be an important component of this position. The successful candidate will also be responsible for the coordination of rearing salvinia weevils (Cyrtobagous salviniae) in outdoor mesocosms located at the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Facility in Baton Rouge, LA. The candidate would be responsible for the inoculation of giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) into the mesocosms, fertilization of plants, pest removal, inoculation of weevils, monitoring of mesocosm conditions, and harvest of insects/plant for field release. Regular maintenance of mesocosms will include pesticide applications, collection of water quality data, and weevil density (adults and larvae counts). The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to coordinate the harvest of weevil-infested salvinia for distribution throughout the state.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in weed science, entomology, natural resource management, or related field.
• Ability to collaborate with members of the laboratory and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Course work or experience in Agronomy, Horticulture, Weed Science, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, and Wildlife and Fisheries.
• Experience with the management of aquatic weeds using herbicides and biocontrol.
• Familiarity with the handling of pesticides.
• Knowledge of weed management.
• Knowledge of insect rearing.
• Boat operation.
• Computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Design, establishment, maintenance, evaluation, collection, writing, and publication of data from small- and field-scale research studies.
• Coordinate, train, and supervise student and visiting scholars.
• Coordinate the rearing of salvinia weevils in outdoor mesocosms.
• Inoculate giant salvinia into mesocosms.
• Fertilize plants.
• Perform pest removal.
• Inoculate weevils.
• Monitor mesocosm conditions.
• Harvest insects/plant for field release.
• Perform pesticide applications.
• Collect water quality data.
• Count weevil density (adults and larvae).
• Coordinate the harvest of weevil-infested salvinia for distribution throughout the state with the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
• Prepare reports for sponsors.
• Work closely with LDWF, Federal, and industry sponsors and collaborators.

Benefits

• Retirement
• Multiple medical insurance options
• Supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.)
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses)
• University holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas)
• Generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree