Senior Research Associate – Invasive Plant Treatment with U.S. Geological Survey in Vicksburg, MS

Duration of position:  This is a contract position that will begin as early as May 8^th, 2023. The intended duration is one year (May 8^th, 2023 – May 7^th, 2024) with possible extension dependent on funding.

Project:  Developing innovative RNAi-based treatments targeting invasive Phragmites during drought, floods, and other climate-induced stresses

Position Description: The student contractor will serve as a Research Associate supporting the ongoing development of innovative RNAi-based biotechnologies and other novel methods to design, test, refine and apply gene silencing agents to mitigate the invasive Phragmites australis during drought, floods, and other climate-induced stresses (e.g., increased environmental temperature). The contractor will be based primarily at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, MS and play a critical support role for the collaborative USGS-US Army ERDC research by assisting with a variety of duties that include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting a literature review to establish a baseline understanding of how Phragmites and other invasive plant species respond during periods of drought, flooding, and other climate stresses.
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary, multi-institution research consortium team spanning genetics, genomics, bioengineering, plant pathology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, nanotechnology, chemistry, and ecology.
• Performing benchtop and greenhouse studies to test multiple classes of gene silencing agents (GSAs) individually or in combinations for their efficacy in inhibition of target genes and desired phenotypic changes.
• Evaluating and optimizing the composition, dosage and application methods of GSAs as a bioherbicide for controlling the invasive australis in response to climate-induced stresses.
• Assisting the research team in permit application and field studies to assess the select candidate formula and application frequency of GSA-based bioherbicide.
• Collecting experimental data, giving oral presentations, and preparing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications

The application deadline is COB March 3^rd, 2023. To ensure consideration of your application, please send a cover letter, resume or CV, and a list of three professional references to Spenser Widin, [email protected]“>[email protected]       

Education/Experience Requirements: The successful candidate must be currently enrolled as a student or must have received a degree within one year prior to beginning the contract. The candidate must have a Master’s degree in molecular biology, bioengineering, genetic engineering, genomics, plant virology or a related field, and an ideal candidate will have:

• A valid U.S. driver’s license
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning, DNA sequencing, quantitative RT-PCR, RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene knockdown, bioinformatics, virus-induced gene silencing is preferred, but not required
• Great attention to detail, a desire to learn, and the ability to work in an efficient and self-directed manner
• High motivation with the ability to multi-task and work collaboratively in a team setting

The successful candidate will be hired as an independent contractor. This is not a government position, and time does not count toward time-in-service.