Postdoctoral Research Associate – Pasture Mealybug Biological Control

About the role

The Texas A&M AgriLife Research team is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead a statewide study on pasture mealybug biological control and molecular ecology. The role combines field surveys across Texas with advanced molecular gut‑content analyses to identify key natural enemies of the pest.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct molecular gut‑content analyses to pinpoint important mealybug predators.
• Design and implement statewide field sampling surveys.
• Perform insecticide compatibility studies with major natural enemies.
• Develop integrated pest‑management (IPM) recommendations for pasture mealybug.
• Analyze data, prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
• Participate in extension and outreach activities.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Required profile

• Doctoral degree in entomology, molecular ecology, or a related field.
• Experience in biological control and integrated pest management.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Required skills

• DNA/RNA extraction
• Primer design
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Molecular diagnostics
• Molecular gut‑content analysis
• Entomopathogenic fungi handling
• Microbial insecticide knowledge
• Molecular trophic interaction analysis
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Next‑generation sequencing
• Controlled‑environment agriculture systems

What we offer

• Compensation commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to lead state‑wide research on a critical agricultural pest.
• Collaboration with leading scientists at Texas A&M AgriLife.