(This is a grant-funded, one-year, non-tenure track position. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment.)
Work Location: Department of Entomology, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA.
Position Description: In the Diaz Laboratory, we strive to give the best career-building opportunities for our team members; this includes involvement with diverse projects on invasive species and biological control, training on field and laboratory techniques, exposure to international cooperation, mentoring research assistants, establishment multidisciplinary projects, hands-on preparation of technical and non-technical publications, among others. We seek a candidate to join our team!
Responsibilities will include leading collaborative research efforts to determine the feasibility of translating research advances in weed biological control between two regions of the US: Western and Southeastern states. We will test the suitability of transferring natural enemies (e.g. Niphograpta albiguttalis, Bagous lunatoides) between regions and compare efficacy of innundative biological control. This research will guide future experiments to disentangle climatic restraints to enhancing biological control efficacy across a plant's geographic range. Experience with aquatic weed biological control, insect-plant interactions, aquatic plants, wetland ecology, and invasive species is desired. The postdoctoral associate will be expected to design and implement laboratory and field experiments, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
The associate will work closely with team leaders of LSU AgCenter and USDA-ARS in Albany, California. A team of student workers, short-term scholars, and graduate students working on weed biological control will be available to assist the associate with experiments. Therefore, we seek an applicant with experience with managing people, mentoring students, or coordinating projects.
Physical activities related to this job may include but not limited to: periodic lifting of 20 lbs., driving state trucks and boats, and wading in waist-deep water to collect samples.
For more information about invasive species, and the Diaz Laboratory please visit, www.lsuagcenter.com/invasivespecies; www.rodrigodiazlab.com
Qualification Requirements: PhD degree in Entomology, or related discipline including Botany, Ecology, and Biology. Experience working in wetlands, freshwater habitats, monitoring of water quality, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), weed biological control, drone mapping, boating is preferred. We seek a candidate with good scientific writing and oral communication.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include 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, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Date Available: Upon completion of the interview process.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2023 or until a suitable candidate is identified
Application Procedure: Must apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching cover letter with resume, transcripts, curriculum vitae and contact information for three references. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching recommendation letters online, they may be sent directly to:
Dr. Rodrigo Diaz
LSU AgCenter
Department of Entomology
404 Life Sciences
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone: (225) 578-1835
Email: rdiaz@agcenter.lsu.edu
Web site: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
