THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:  The position is located in the U. S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, Florida.  The incumbent will characterize spatial and temporal patterns of viral epidemics and whitefly densities in vegetable production fields (tomato, cucurbit, and others), neighboring fallow fields, irrigation ditches, and hedgerows to gain an understanding of epidemic dynamics and identify “hot spots” and reservoir crops for both whitefly and viruses. Integrate and further develop cultural and chemical controls that focus on environmentally safe and cost-effective management strategies in production fields. The incumbent will also develop a GIS-based decision support system for tracking whiteflies and virus spread, and for delivering management recommendations to growers and industry specialists.  The incumbent will be expected to design and coordinate field trials and surveys in the major production regions of southwest Florida with the assistance of the lead scientist.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  Recent Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Ecology, or a closely related field is required.  Knowledge of temporal and spatial data analysis, the design of field trials and surveys, and GIS (ArcGIS) are desirable. 
 
CITIZENSHIP RESTRICTIONS APPLY:  Applicants must clearly indicate in their resume/CV their country of citizenship.  To be employed as a Postdoctoral Research Associate with ARS, applicants must be a citizen from a country listed on the following link:  http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/jobs/VISA/countries.htm

INFORMATION ON APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS is available at:  http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/hrdhomepage/vacancy/pd962.html

INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS is available at:  http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:

Dr.  William Turechek
USDA/ARS/USHRL
2001 South Rock Road
Fort Pierce, FL 34945-3030
P: (772) 462-5857
F: (772) 462-5986
E: william.turechek@ars.usda.gov