Louisiana State University
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Postdoctoral Researcher (Insect Microbiome and Pest Control) Louisiana State University in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Grant-funded, two-year postdoctoral appointment with potential extension if additional funding becomes available; salary is $50,000+inflation/year plus benefits.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United States
University
Louisiana State University
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About this position
This postdoctoral opening in the Department of Entomology at Louisiana State University AgCenter brings together the Feng lab and the Healy lab in Baton Rouge for research on insect-microbe interactions and applied pest management. The successful candidate will work on a project focused on insect-microbial symbiosis and the development of symbiont-mediated RNAi strategies for New World screwworm control using proxy species.
The research is interdisciplinary and combines insect rearing and bioassays, microbiome and symbiont characterization, molecular biology, RNAi technology, and functional analyses to build and test a symbiont-based gene-silencing platform. The project sits at the intersection of entomology, microbiology, molecular biotechnology, and insect physiology, with emphasis on sustainable approaches to pest control.
The postdoctoral researcher will join a collaborative environment that spans the Feng lab, which studies insect-host-microbe interactions and molecular biotechnology for sustainable pest management, and the Healy lab, which focuses on applied research on medical and veterinary arthropod pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, and screwworms. The role also offers scope to contribute to related work in insect-microbial interactions, molecular biotechnology, and sustainable pest management, while developing independent ideas, manuscripts, conference presentations, trainee mentorship, and grant applications.
The appointment is grant funded and based on-site at the LSU AgCenter in Baton Rouge.
Funding details
Grant-funded, two-year postdoctoral appointment with potential extension if additional funding becomes available; salary is $50,000+inflation/year plus benefits.
What's required
A Ph.D. in Entomology or a closely related discipline is required. Applicants should have research experience in at least one of the following areas: NWS or related species, insect microbiomes, insect-microbial symbiosis, or RNA interference. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to independently plan experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, analyze data, interpret research findings, and show scientific writing ability and research productivity including peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage. Preferred qualifications include experience with insect rearing, handling, experimental bioassays, assessment of insect biological traits, molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gene expression analysis, cloning, and sequencing-based analyses, microbial culture and bacterial genetics or transformation, bioinformatics and microbiome data analysis, statistical analysis, experience with agricultural or veterinary insects, strong organization, data management, and willingness to work with live insects and microorganisms under applicable laboratory, biosafety, and institutional requirements.
How to apply
Apply online through the LSU Workday portal. Upload a letter of application, CV, brief summary of research experience and interests, official Ph.D. transcripts, and contact information for three referees. Reference letters may be sent directly to Dr. Honglin Feng or Dr. Kristen Healy if not attached online.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.