Fellow (Post Doc)

The Department of Entomology seeks a Fellow Post Doc to help lead the molecular and computational efforts for a house fly xenosurveillance project, where flies are used as sentinels or monitors of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in the environment. This includes overseeing the transition from fly samples to sequenced libraries (Oxford Nanopore, Aviti) and developing Nextflow-based containers or other analyses to analyze metagenomes including pathogen and AMR gene prevalence.

Duties/responsibilities:

• Lead molecular and computational components of a house fly xenosurveillance project focused on using flies as environmental sentinels for pathogen detection and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene monitoring.
• Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) to design and implement laboratory and field-based research strategies.
• Oversee the workflow from biological sample collection through nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, and sequencing (e.g., Oxford Nanopore, Aviti platforms).
• Conduct fieldwork activities, including collection of flies and other relevant environmental samples.
• Perform molecular laboratory techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, and preparation of sequencing libraries.
• Conduct metagenomic analyses to identify pathogen presence and characterize AMR gene prevalence.
• Develop, implement, and maintain bioinformatics pipelines (e.g., Nextflow-based workflows, containerized analyses) for metagenomic data processing and analysis.
• Analyze and interpret complex sequencing datasets, integrating molecular and computational results.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations for peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences.
• Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety, data management, and field/laboratory safety protocols.
• Develop and maintain laboratory and computational standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinate travel and logistics for field sampling activities.
• Order, manage, and maintain laboratory and computational supplies and resources.
• Assist with general project coordination, including data organization and communication of progress to project stakeholders.

Ranked #4 globally, our department drives impactful research, delivers comprehensive education, and provides essential extension services at local, national, and international scales. We tackle critical challenges in food security, plant protection, animal health, conservation, and ecosystem services through innovative basic and applied research on arthropods. Our faculty are leaders in the field-23% rank among the top 2% of scientists worldwide-and maintain strong external collaborations to advance discovery and learner success. With a 98% graduate placement rate, robust funding portfolio, and specialized training opportunities, we offer an exceptional environment for professional growth. The successful candidate will play a key role in our expanding undergraduate program, inspiring students and preparing them for impactful careers in entomology. For further information, visit https://entomology.k-state.edu/.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., DVM) in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Entomology, or a closely related field. The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level. Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid extraction (DNA/RNA) from complex biological samples and preparation of libraries for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS); PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, custom primer design.
• Demonstrated proficiency in operating or preparing libraries for at least one major platform (e.g., Illumina or Oxford Nanopore).
• Experience using R or Python for genomic data analysis and familiarity with a Linux/Unix command-line environment.
• Proven ability to perform quality control and quantification of sequencing libraries using instrumentation like Qubit, Bioanalyzer, or Tapestation.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications and the ability to present complex genomic data to scientific audiences.
• Expert-level experience with Nextflow or Snakemake, specifically using Apptainer/Docker for containerized, reproducible pipeline development.
• Direct experience with Aviti (Element Biosciences) sequencing and/or long-read (ONT) basecalling and assembly.
• Previous work in metagenomics, including taxonomic classification (Kraken2/Bracken) and functional annotation of genes, especially antimicrobial resistance genes (including familiarity with AMRFinder, CARD, databases).

Additional Role Information:

• Drivers license

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

1. Resume or CV
2. Contact information for three professional references

Applications close on: April 29, 2026

$60,000 - $70,000