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Type of Position:
Research

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:
Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:
Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance at bbatiste@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:
ENPL | Medical and Veterinary Entomology 02

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties:
The McDermott Livestock Entomology Lab at the University of Arkansas (https://www.mcdermottlabuark.com/) seeks to fill two Postdoctoral Research Assistant positions to conduct research on the surveillance of emerging vector-borne and infectious diseases as part of the Remote Emerging Disease Intelligence-Network (REDI-NET) Consortium (https://redi-net.nd.edu/). The successful candidates will use NextGen sequencing technologies to identify pathogens in arthropod and vertebrate samples. Candidates will also be responsible for establishing new standard operating procedures related to novel sample types for the laboratory, and for conducting field-based surveillance of vector-borne livestock pathogens. Candidates will additionally have the opportunity to pursue independent research questions related to study objectives, as well as the opportunity to supervise and mentor junior students in the lab.
These positions are available for two years and may be renewable dependent on performance and availability of funding. The expected start date for the positions is October 1st 2023, but is negotiable.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications:

• PhD in entomology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, or a related field
• Valid driver’s license, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, ability to walk long distances (up to 1 mile) in uneven field conditions, ability to work outdoors under challenging environmental conditions (e.g. heat, cold)

Preferred qualifications (be as specific as you can to ensure candidates with the right qualifications):

• Expertise with molecular techniques including PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, and NextGen sequencing
• Expertise with bioinformatic methods for genomic analyses
• Experience with insect collection techniques
• Experience with collecting biological samples (e.g. blood, saliva) from vertebrate animals
• Experience with bacterial and viral pathogen genetics
• Willingness and ability to work in both the laboratory and field, including under challenging environmental conditions (e.g. heat, cold)
• Knowledge of entomology and vector biology
• Ability to formulate hypotheses and design well-controlled scientific experiments
• Ability to handle large data sets
• Evidence of publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information:

Tonya Foster
trfoste@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.  The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.  Required checks are identified in the position listing.  A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:
Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion

Frequent Physical Activity:
Driving, Feeling, Grasping

Occasional Physical Activity:
Hearing, Sitting, Standing, Talking

Benefits Eligible:
Yes