Summer Employment Opportunity The Role of Scale Insects on Roseau Cane Die-Offs in Louisiana
In 2016, marshes along the coast of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana took a major hit, as large tracts of common reed (known locally as roseau cane) died off suddenly. Reeds were discovered to be infested with thousands of grass-feeding scale insects, Nipponaclerda biwakoensis (Kuwana). ARS scientists are working with federal and non-federal partners to study the impact and spread of this invader and develop strategies for the management of populations now established in the United States. Research efforts will consider both biological and environmental factors contributing toward roseau cane death in the Mississippi River Delta.
Summer Internship roles and responsibilities: SEL’s objective is to provide genetic characterization, voucher preparation, and identification for specimens collected from the native and invasive range of N. biwakoensis. This includes the target species, additional flat grass scale (Aclerdidae) species that may be collected, and their associated natural enemies. The intern will be responsible for:
1. receiving and cataloguing specimens sent by collaborators (using Specify v6)
2. conducting DNA extractions of insect specimens following established laboratory protocols (spin column-based protocol)
3. generating high quality slide-mounted voucher preparations of insect cuticles to be deposited in the National Entomological Collection of Coccomorpha.
Additional responsibilities may include running polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and similar preparation/processing of scale insect specimens from ongoing projects in the lab. Experience in DNA extraction protocols is a MUST. Experience in slide-mounting and PCR techniques is desired.
The intern will report directly to Dr. Schneider (USDA ARS SEL) and conduct their work in his laboratory at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. The employment term will run for a 3-month period starting around June 1st (negotiable) and ending around August 31st. A stipend is offered at the GS-2 Step 1 (2018) schedule, $6,770 for 3 months of work. The position also includes health insurance coverage for the period of employment, valued at $1,420.
Applicants should submit their CV and a brief statement of interest by email to Dr. Scott Schneider at scott.schneider@ars.usda.gov. Questions regarding the position can also be sent to this address.
Scott A. Schneider USDA Agricultural Research Service Systematic Entomology Laboratory 10300 Baltimore Ave., Bldg. 005, Room 004 Beltsville, MD 20705 scott.schneider@ars.usda.gov
