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Employment Opportunity - Post-doctoral Scholar

Genomic analysis of communication systems in social insects

A post-doctoral position in the Department of Entomology and Center for Chemical Ecology at Pennsylvania State University is available to study the molecular basis of pheromone-mediated behavior in the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).  The researcher will interact closely with a dynamic group of colleagues with expertise in behavioral ecology, functional genomics, and bioinformatics, and with collaborators at the USDA-ARS (Gainesville, Florida) and University of Lausanne (Switzerland) to develop genomic tools and resources for this species.  The primary focus will be to use microarray analysis to characterize the genes and gene pathways regulated by queen pheromone, and to understand the molecular basis for modulation of behavioral responses to pheromonal cues among individual ants of different castes, genotypes, or social states.  A comparative genomics approach will be used to identify conserved socially responsive pathways across multiple social insects, including honey bees, bumble bees and paper wasps. The post-doctoral researcher will be further supported in the development of his/her independent research program. Applicants should have a strong background in behavioral ecology and expertise in molecular techniques. This position is initially funded by a USDA-NRI genomics grant for 2 years and additional support is possible.  Salary is $38,000-$43,000/year, commensurate with experience.  Benefits are included.  Start-date is negotiable, but January 2010 is preferred.

Please send your CV, including relevant publications, and contact information for three references by August 1, 2009 to:

Christina M. Grozinger
Associate Professor
Department of Entomology
Center for Chemical Ecology
Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences
Pennsylvania State University
Chemical Ecology Lab 4A
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-2214
Fax: 814-863-4439
Email: cmgrozinger@psu.edu
Webpage: http://ento.psu.edu/directory/cmg25

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