Interdisciplinary Research Entomologist/Research Molecular Biologist

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit in Manhattan, KS. Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology. Conducts team research on tick vector ecology, population genetics, and vector competency for high-consequence zoonotic pathogens. Plans, coordinates, and executes multidisciplinary research activities of assigned and collaborating scientists, preparing annual project plans and reports. Integrates knowledge from molecular biology, immunology, and veterinary medicine to evaluate host-pathogen interactions and transmission. Develops novel approaches and modifies existing technologies to characterize host responses to infections at molecular, cellular, and animal levels. Provides technical and administrative supervision to a Biological Science Technician, including selection, work assignment, and performance evaluation. Executes research protocols safely within low and high-containment facilities, adhering to strict BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 biosafety regulations. Conducts collaborative research using molecular and genomic tools to characterize arthropod-borne pathogen transmission and host-pathogen interactions. Manages laboratory resources, personnel, and high-containment workflows to ensure research is conducted safely under BSL-2/3/4 conditions as appropriate. Integrates molecular findings with ecological and entomological data to improve prediction and prevention of high-consequence veterinary and zoonotic diseases. Publishes peer-reviewed research and communicates findings to scientific, regulatory, and agricultural stakeholders.