Postdoctoral Researcher (Insect Microbiome and Pest Control)

Postdoctoral Researcher (Insect Microbiome and Pest Control)

Position Type: Other Academic

Department: LSUAG PL1 - DE - Entomology (Honglin Feng (00081987))

Work Location: 0404 Life Sciences Building

Pay Grade: Other Academic

Job Description: This is a grant-funded, two-year position, with the potential for extension upon the availability of additional funding.

Work

Location

On-site, Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Position Description: We are seeking one highly motivated, independent, and collaborative Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Feng lab, co-advised with Dr. Healy, at the Louisiana State University AgCenter. The successful candidate will lead research investigating insect-microbial symbiosis and developing symbiont-mediated RNAi strategies for NWS control, using proxy species.

The project will integrate insect rearing and bioassays, microbiome and symbiont characterization, molecular biology, RNAi technology, and functional analyses to establish and evaluate a symbiont-based gene-silencing platform. The position requires a strong foundation in entomology and practical research experience in one or more complementary areas, particularly insect microbiomes, insect-microbial symbiosis, molecular biotechnology, or RNAi. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to design and execute experiments independently, troubleshoot technical challenges, analyze and interpret research data, communicate findings effectively, and collaborate with researchers from multiple disciplines.

The Feng lab in the Department of Entomology at the Louisiana State University AgCenter conducts interdisciplinary research on insect-host–microbe interactions and develops innovative molecular biotechnology approaches for sustainable insect pest management. Our research integrates entomology, insect physiology, microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology to investigate insect-microbial symbioses and harness their potential for developing next-generation pest control strategies.

The Healy lab in the Department of Entomology at the Louisiana State University AgCenter is focused on applied research regarding medical/veterinary arthropod pests, including mosquitoes, ticks, and screwworms. Our program is always interested in developing IPM strategies that are both effective, but also have the smallest possible impacts to the environment and non-target organisms.

Additional Opportunities and Expectations: The postdoctoral researcher will have opportunities to contribute to related projects in insect-microbial interactions, molecular biotechnology, and sustainable pest management, depending on research progress, expertise, and mutual interests. The position will also provide opportunities to develop independent research ideas, prepare manuscripts, participate in scientific conferences, mentor trainees, and contribute to competitive grant applications. The appointment is subject to funding availability and institutional employment policies.

Qualification Requirements:

Required Education and Experience:

• A Ph.D. in Entomology or a closely related discipline.
• Research experience in at least one or more of the following areas: NWS, or related species, insect microbiomes, insect-microbial symbiosis, or RNA interference.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, analyze data, and interpret research findings.
• Evidence of scientific writing skills and research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with experience relevant to the project, particularly:

• Insect rearing, handling, experimental bioassays, and 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, bacterial genetics, genetic transformation, or other relevant microbial manipulation techniques.
• Bioinformatics, microbiome data analysis, statistical analysis, and visualization of molecular or biological datasets.
• Experience working on agricultural pests, livestock-associated insects, or other insects of agricultural or veterinary importance.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple experiments, maintain detailed records, and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative research team.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt experimental approaches to address unexpected results or technical challenges.
• Proficiency in data management, quantitative analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Willingness to work with live insects and microorganisms under applicable laboratory, biosafety, and institutional requirements.

Salary and

Benefits

• Salary will be $50,000+inflation/year plus benefits for 2 years. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Current benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

• Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

• Application Deadline: November 30th, 2026 or until position has been filled.

• Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

• Benefits - The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

About the LSU Agricultural Center:

• The LSU AgCenter is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 on-campus academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish.

• The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.