An Extension Associate Position with Louisiana State University is now open for applications. This position will be located at the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology laboratory under Dr. Mike Simone-Finstrom, though will be an employee of LSU. This is one of three positions (a second Extension Assoc position along with a postdoc that will be advertised soon).
The project, “Improving honey bee health and food security through breeding and IPM control of parasitic mites,” led by Drs. Michael Simone-Finstrom, Arian Avalos, Frank Rinkevich, and Liz Walsh at the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Laboratory in Baton Rouge, LA leverages the skills, knowledge and expertise of scientists from five different USDA-ARS laboratories from throughout the U.S. This collaborative work, which will be done for and in cooperation with their commercial beekeeping partners, aims to 1) increase the prevalence of Varroa resistant honey bees in U.S. beekeeping, 2) advance honey bee breeding through integration of genomic tools, 3) establish a holistic Varroa IPM plan preventing mite damage and development of miticide resistance, and 4) assess economic impacts for stakeholders based on mite control strategies used.
Job Description:
This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position. The position is funded through 3/30/2026 with possible annual renewal for an additional 4 years.
Position Description:
The individual will be expected to perform a variety of duties as an extension associate in the Department of Entomology in coordination with the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Laboratory (HBBGPRL). These duties will include conducting field assessments of local and commercial beekeeping operations (requires local, regional and national travel); assisting with outreach and extension efforts (e.g. development of workshop and extension materials, participating in workshop instruction, supporting survey assessments); sampling honey bee colonies; and collecting and digitizing research data. Additional duties will be concordant with expertise and may include managing research honey bee colonies. Current projects would require the successful applicant to coordinate work as part of a team of extension technicians, and coordinate with collaborating field technicians, other USDA-ARS researchers, beekeepers, and participating groups in joint tasks when deemed necessary.
Qualification Requirements:
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the entomology, biology, genetics or related fields. If the candidate possesses sufficient relevant experience with honey bees, then the field of degree could be outside of those listed. Preference will be given to applicants with prior practical experience working with honey bees and the beekeeping community. Preference will also be given to candidates with additional training in basic sciences like entomology, microscopy, and/or field work.
Contact Mike Simone-Finstrom (Michael.simonefinstrom@usda.gov) for any questions about the position and Mike Stout (mstout@agcenter.lsu.edu, LSU, Dept of Entomology) for questions regarding the application process.
>>>> Apply here: https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/LSU/job/Extension-Associate_R00102448
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