Research Associate

The purpose of this position is to lead microbiome and chemical-ecology research under Objective 3 of a USDA-APHIS New World Screwworm Grand Challenge project. The Research Associate will design and execute metagenomic, VOC/GC-MS, electroantennography, and SIT-optimization experiments, analyze the resulting data, develop SOPs, and train and oversee laboratory staff.

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 master's degree and two years of relevant experience. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess advanced research skills, data analysis expertise and scientific writing ability in order to independently execute complex research tasks, interpret findings and contribute to scholarly publications. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, entomology, microbiome science, or a closely related field
• Two years of relevant research laboratory experience.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation and microbiome analysis (QIIME2/DADA2, Kraken2)
• Experience with GC-MS, electroantennography (EAG), or insect behavioral bioassays
• Experience rearing insects or maintaining microbial cultures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational, record-keeping, and communication skills
• Familiarity with bioinformatic analysis

Additional Role Information:

• Ability to work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment

Sponsorship eligibility:

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

Applications close on: August 10, 2026

$50,000 - $62,000