The United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service is looking for a permanent USDA technician and has a position available with the Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit in Manhattan, KS.
ABADRU conducts research on the surveillance and management of domestic livestock pathogens that are transmitted by insects (biting flies and mosquitoes). Insect-borne diseases cause significant economic loss and pose a constant threat to the U.S. livestock industry. New methods and products will be developed and compared to established techniques and materials.
The incumbent of this position will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties in a laboratory and field environment working with live insects.
Major Duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Collects insect samples in a field environment.
- Sorts and identifies insect collections to the species classification.
- Maintains and rears large populations or colonies of insects and arthropods for disease vector research and scientific studies.
- Tests new and established products (insecticides) and techniques (treatment methods) for efficacy.
- Identifies physical features from live insect samples and prepares the insects for study in a laboratory environment.
- Keeps exact, detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages.
- Interprets and documents findings by preparing information to be included in manuscripts or preparing reports summarizing progress or results of research.
Salary $45,810 to $65,778 per year, and posting closes 16 October 2018. For more information, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/512497000