Senior Research Scientist in Apiculture

TITLE: Senior Research Scientist in Apiculture

DEPARTMENT: School of Agriculture and Natural Resources

REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt 

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Senior Research Scientist in Apiculture in the Kentucky State University School of Agriculture, Communities and the Environment will implement and support a research project concerning fungal pathogens of honey bees.

The Senior Research Scientist in Apiculture in the Kentucky State University School of Agriculture, Communities and the Environment will implement and support a research project concerning fungal pathogens of honey bees. This will be in collaboration with the P.I., who is the apiculturist at Kentucky State University. Experiments will involve the progression of the pathogen, Nosema ceranae, and will be monitored as it infects bee tissue. Optical (spore counts and tissue appearance by microscopy) and chemical (detection of fatty acids, stable isotope distribution, volatile hydrocarbons) methods will be used. Potential treatments, including organic acids and microbial symbionts, will be fed to bees and evaluated for efficacy. Other approaches to beekeeping issues may be developed as time permits.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• The Senior Research Scientist in Apiculture will provide leadership in implementing a research project concerning fungal pathogens of honey bees.
• Plan and conduct experiments, collect, prepare and evaluate honey bee tissue samples as appropriate to the study.
• Collect data and evaluate the data by appropriate statistical tests.
• Implement and evaluate new procedures for tissue sample preparation and staining.
• Review scientific literature pertaining to the study.
• Publish research results in refereed journals, books, factsheets, and book chapters, abstracts and proceedings, and other publications and media outlets.
• Present research results at professional meetings.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research projects.
• Give guest lectures and seminars as needed.
• Develop grants for external funding to support research efforts.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to effectively work with diverse populations.
• Participate in University activities as needed.
• Other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Knowledge of scientific literature search processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of data interpretation and analysis
• Knowledge of data presentation and organization methods and techniques.
• Ability to interpret experimental data accurately.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain concise and accurate records.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team effort

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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position does have supervisory responsibility. 

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Entomology or a related field. Experience in biological research highly preferred. Beekeeping experience preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:  

• May involve standing and/or walking up to two (2) hours per day.
• May involve lifting bee hive equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Some travel required.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa