(This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position through 06/30/29. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment).
Work Location: The position will be housed on the LSU AgCenter Campus in Baton Rouge, LA at the School of Plant, Environmental & Soil Sciences.
Position Description: A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available within the Aquatic Plant Management Laboratory at Louisiana State University with a specific focus on developing new chemical, biological, and integrated pest management (IPM) control techniques for invasive aquatic plant species. This multidisciplinary project entails coordination of laboratory, mesocosm, and field research throughout Louisiana. Duties will include the design, establishment, maintenance, evaluation, collection, writing, and publication of data from small- and field-scale research studies. The applicant should also be able to coordinate, train, and supervise student and visiting scholars. In-state travel will be an important component of this position.
The successful candidate will also be responsible for the coordination of rearing salvinia weevils (Cyrtobagous salviniae) in outdoor mesocosms located at the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Facility in Baton Rouge, LA. The candidate would be responsible for the inoculation of giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) into the mesocosms, fertilization of plants, pest removal, inoculation of weevils, monitoring of mesocosm conditions, and harvest of insects/plant for field release. Regular maintenance of mesocosms will include pesticide applications, collection of water quality data, and weevil density (adults and larvae counts). The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to coordinate the harvest of weevil-infested salvinia for distribution throughout the state.
Physical activities related to this job may include but not limited to periodic lifting of 40 lbs., mowing perimeter of mesocosm facility, using herbicide application equipment, operating trucks and boats, operation/maintenance of machinery, and harvesting of plant material from mesocosms. The successful candidate will also prepare reports for sponsors and will work closely with LDWF, Federal, and industry sponsors and collaborators.