POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number SRGV9097 Working Title POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW Number of Vacancies 1 Location Edinburg, Texas Department College of Sciences/ Ctr VectrBrne Zoontc Emgng Dis FTE 1 FLSA Exempt Scope of Job

Postdoctoral Fellow will work on a two-year research project funded through the USDA-APHIS New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge grant investigating the chemical ecology of NWS. The project focuses on the ecology of NWS. Its primary goal is to determine how plant- and animal-derived volatile compounds influence screwworm fly behavior, ecology, and reproduction. The project will also include development of integrated vegetation-based habitat suitability and dispersal models for screwworm in South Texas. This will be achieved by combining high-resolution remote sensing data with ecological and landscape variables to identify areas of potential establishment and inform management or sterile insect release strategies. Under minimal supervision, the Fellow will collaborate with the Principal Investigators (PIs) to design and implement laboratory and field-based research experiments. The Fellow is also expected to mentor graduate and undergraduate students; assist with data analysis; and contribute to the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and dissemination of research findings.

Description of Duties

The following is a listing of typical duties that may be applicable to the position:

Conducting NSW behavioral assays to characterize responses to ecologically relevant odor sources; Isolating, identifying, and analyzing chemical compounds from plants using GC-MS methods; Determining key VOCs that regulate screwworm fly behavior across different physiological conditions; Assist in developing ecological and habitat models to support surveillance and management strategies; Analyzing and interpreting the data and results; Assisting in preparing progress reports; Leading the preparation of manuscripts for publication; Other job related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

General supervision from grant PI and Co-PIs.

Supervision Given

None.

Required Education

Doctoral degree from an accredited University with a degree in biology, entomology, chemistry, or related field.

Preferred Education

None.

Licenses/Certifications Required Experience

None.

Preferred Experience

Experience/training in isolating and identifying behavior-modifying plant compounds; Experience with chemical ecology, plant-insect interactions approaches and techniques; Experience in insect behavioral research; Background in statistical modeling in ecology.

Equipment

Use of personal computer and proficiency in software and research statistical applications. Use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and related research equipment.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office/research environment; some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Other

This is a trainee position subject to a specific time as agreed to by stakeholders.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category Full-Time Minimum Salary Commensurate with Experience Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience Position Available Date 09/15/2026 Grant Funded Position Yes If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date 07/19/2028

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Dear Applicant,

Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:

Date of Birth

Gender

• Ethnicity/Race

Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956) 665-2451 and/or careers@utrgv.edu.

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.

All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of Human Resources.

Quick Link https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/52188

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Are you a current UTRGV employee?

• Yes

• No

• • Are you now, or previously, employed by The University of Texas System or any of its institutions?

• Yes - I currently am employed by the UT System or its institutions

• Yes - I have previously been employed by the UT System or its institutions

• No - I have never been employed by the UT System or its institutions

• • Please select your highest level of completed education.

• 6th grade education

• 10th grade education

• High School Diploma or GED

• Associates Degree, Technical, or Trade School Degree/Certification or 60 Hours of College Hours

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited university

• Masters Degree from an accredited university

• Ph. D. or other terminal degree from an accredited university

• None of the above

• • Please provide the field of study for your education:

(Open Ended Question)

• • Please indicate the number of years of work experience you have directly related to the position in which you are applying for:

• Less than 1 year

• 1 year

• 2 years

• 3 years

• 4 years

• 5 years

• 6 years

• 7 years

• 8 years

• 9 years

• 10 years

• Over 10 years

• • Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Reference Letter 1
• Reference Letter 2
• Reference Letter 3
• Certifications and Licenses
• Training Certificates
• Other Document
• List of 3 References
• Unofficial Transcripts 2
• Unofficial Transcripts 3
• Unofficial Graduate Transcripts
• Research Statement
• Additional Document