THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

ANNOUNCEMENT NO: RA-05-006H

POSITION: Research Molecular Biologist

LOCATION: Logan, UT

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This position is located at the Pollinating Insect-Biology, Management, & Systematics Research Unit in Logan, Utah. The incumbent's research will focus on assessing alfalfa leafcutting bee (ALCB) disease resistance with cDNA-based microarrays at the individual and population levels. This includes: 1) Identifying and describing ALCB genes that are associated with Ascosphaera infections; 2) Describing the ALCB larval stage-specific immune response at the molecular level; 3) Contrasting population-level ALCB immune response profiles between bees from high vs. low background Ascosphaera levels; and 4) Comparing sequences of interest from ALCB to model insect genomes (Drosophila, Apis) to identify genes whose products may be candidates for an expanded proteomics approach and subsequent anti-microbial peptide synthesis.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Recent Ph.D. in molecular biology or a closely related field is required. Previous experience with molecular methods for constructing cDNA libraries, Northern blotting, RT-PCR and microarray experience are desirable.

INFORMATION ON APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS is available at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/hrdhomepage/vacancy/pd962.html

INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS is available at: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:

Dr. W. P. Kemp, Research Leader, USDA/ARS

Pollinating Insect-Biology, Management, & Systematics Research Unit

5310 Old Main Hill Road

Logan , UT 84322-5310

Phone: 435.797.2525

Fax: 435.797.0461

Email: wkemp@biology.usu.edu