Postdoctoral Research Associate in Entomology and Plant Virology

About the role

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead independent research on insect vector–plant virus interactions, exploring molecular, organismal, and ecological mechanisms under the supervision of Dr. Kiran Gadhave at the Crop Stress Lab.

Key responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments on pathogen acquisition, establishment, and transmission by arthropod vectors in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings.
• Apply molecular diagnostics (PCR, RT‑PCR, qPCR) and omics approaches to identify determinants of vector competence.
• Perform functional genomics using RNA interference, virus‑induced gene silencing, transient expression, and protein‑protein interaction assays.
• Analyze high‑dimensional data with statistical and bioinformatic tools, maintain detailed records, and prepare manuscripts and presentations.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Virology, Molecular Biology or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience with insect vectors or plant pathogens and a record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 45 days.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to mentor junior researchers.

Required skills

• Molecular biology techniques: nucleic acid extraction, PCR, RT‑PCR, qPCR, cloning, sequence analysis.
• Functional genomics: RNAi, virus‑induced gene silencing, Agrobacterium‑mediated infiltration.
• Protein‑protein interaction methods: yeast two‑hybrid, co‑immunoprecipitation, pull‑down, BiFC.
• Omics expertise: transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics, small‑RNA analysis.
• Statistical analysis, data visualization, and bioinformatics for high‑throughput data.