Postdoctoral Researcher (Insect Microbiome and Pest Control)

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.

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