The selected Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct research (1) evaluating the persistence of neonicotinoid insecticides in publicly managed agroecosystems and (2) elucidating neonicotinoid effects on terrestrial invertebrate communities.
Agency/location: Missouri Cooperative Fish/Wildlife Research Unit and the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
Responsibilities: Assist with a project evaluating neonicotinoid insecticide concentrations in plant tissues and soils collected from agricultural fields and surrounding borders, as well as invertebrate community response to neonicotinoids. The successful applicant will be responsible for supervising/participating in data collection, processing terrestrial invertebrate samples, interpreting results of chemical analyses, statistical analysis and manuscript preparation. The selected candidate is expected to interact with state agency biologists, academics, and a larger lab group (~12 students, postdocs, and research staff) that includes two graduate students studying neonicotinoid fate and transport.
Qualifications: PhD in environmental toxicology, soil or environmental chemistry, ecology, or related program. Applicants should demonstrate excellent quantitative skills, ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, prior experience evaluating agrochemicals in field settings, and a demonstrated ability to present and publish research. Experience collecting and identifying terrestrial invertebrates is preferred but not essential.
Stipend: $50,000/year plus benefits. Position is funded for two years contingent on satisfactory performance and funding allocations.
Closing date: Until filled. Start date is flexible but Oct or Nov 2015 is preferred.
Contact: Email letter of interest, CV, and contact information for three references to Lisa Webb, Missouri Cooperative Research Unit, University of Missouri, 573-882-2591, webbli@missouri.edu; and Keith Goyne, University of Missouri, Dep. of Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences, 573-882-0090, goynek@missouri.edu.
U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and the University of Missouri