Summary
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on chemical ecology and the development of novel attractants for the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax). The project is funded by the USDA Grand Challenge program and aims to identify microbial cues associated with animal wounds that attract gravid female screwworm flies and develop them into effective surveillance lures.
The successful candidate will conduct research spanning microbial isolation and culturing, behavioral bioassays, attractant formulation, and laboratory and field evaluation. A significant portion of the research, including insect colony development, field collections, and bioassays, will be conducted in Guatemala.
Postdoctoral Research Associate – Chemical Ecology and New World Screwworm Attractant Research
Start Date: Immediately
Salary: Commensurate with training and experience
Term: 2 years, with possibility of extension contingent on funding and performance
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Research Area
- Chemical Ecology
- Entomology and Insect Behavior
- Microbial Ecology
- Agricultural Entomology
- Insect Attractant Development
- Behavioral Ecology
- Microbiology
- Pest Surveillance and Management
Location
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro), USA
Research activities will also be conducted in Guatemala, in collaboration with researchers at North Carolina State University and Virginia Tech.
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biology or a related life science field, completed by the start date.
- Experience conducting ecological or behavioral research.
- Strong analytical and scientific writing skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a research team.
- Willingness to spend extended periods conducting research in Guatemala.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Background in entomology, insect behavior, chemical ecology, microbiology, or microbial ecology.
- Experience with microbial isolation and culturing.
- Experience conducting behavioral bioassays.
- Experience in insect attractant development.
- Laboratory and field research experience.
- Spanish-language proficiency.
Job Description
The selected Postdoctoral Research Associate will work under the supervision of Dr. Gideon Wasserberg at UNC Greensboro, in collaboration with Dr. Loganathan Ponnusamy at North Carolina State University and Dr. Luis Escobar at Virginia Tech.
The research will focus on developing novel surveillance attractants for the New World screwworm, an economically important parasitic fly that threatens livestock health and agricultural production.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Collecting microorganisms associated with animal wounds.
- Isolating and culturing microbial organisms from wound samples.
- Evaluating individual bacterial isolates and microbial combinations.
- Conducting laboratory and semi-field behavioral bioassays with gravid female screwworm flies.
- Identifying microbial cues that demonstrate attractive properties.
- Developing and optimizing microbial-based attractant formulations.
- Conducting laboratory and field evaluations of promising attractants.
- Contributing to insect colony development and maintenance.
- Participating in field collections and behavioral experiments in Guatemala.
- Analyzing experimental data and interpreting research findings.
- Preparing scientific manuscripts, reports, and other research outputs.
- Working collaboratively with researchers across multiple institutions.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials by email attachment:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- PDF files of relevant articles/manuscripts
- Cover letter describing the candidate’s background, skills, and research interests.
Application Email: Gideon Wasserberg
Email: g_wasser@uncg.edu
Last Date for Apply
Applications will be reviewed beginning October 18, 2026, and will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
Review Period: Begins October 18, 2026
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Additional Information
This is a 2-year postdoctoral appointment, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance. The position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of chemical ecology, microbiology, entomology, insect behavior, and agricultural pest surveillance, with substantial international field research experience in Guatemala.
