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

ANNOUNCEMENT NO: RA-04-071L

POSITION: Molecular Biologist (Virology)

LOCATION: Ft. Pierce, FL

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This position is located in the Subtropical Insect Research Unit, Ft. Pierce, Florida. The incumbent will participate in research on the use of an insect virus to control the Glassy-winged sharpshooter, the main vector of Pierce’s Disease of grapes. Conducts research to isolate, clone, and transform insect viruses (DNA and/or RNA viruses) as an expression system in insects. The project is to design an infectious virus construct with a reporter gene, screen candiate genes by RNAi methodologies on whole insects or cell cultures, analyze gene expression in whole insects and/or insect cell cultures. The research involves bioassays of insect larvae, adults, and cell cultures and using virus vectors to examine gene expression and function.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Ph.D. in genetics, virology, molecular biology, entomology, or related field is required. Knowledge of genetics and molecular-genetic techniques, and skill in molecular techniques required; knowledge of virus and/or genetic transformation, cloning, Northerns, Real Time PCR, RNAi, rtPCR, desirable.

FOR INFORMATION ON SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, SALARY, BENEFITS, OR APPLICATION FORMS, CONTACT:

Catherine Walker
USDA/ARS/Human Resources Division
5601 Sunnyside Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705-5105
Phone: 301-504-1516
Fax: 301-504-1536

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:
Dr. Wayne Hunter
USDA, ARS, SAA
U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory
2001 South Rock Road
Ft. Pierce, Florida 34945
Phone: 772-462-5898
Fax: 772-462-5960
E-mail: Whunter@ushrl.ars.usda.gov