Post-Doctoral Research Position Open

Post-Doctoral Associate in Plant Pathology

Position Summary: A post-doctoral researcher position is available for project on potato and its interaction with soilborne microbes (fungal and bacterial pathogens such as Verticillium dahaliae, Streptomyces scabies, and Pectobacterium and Dickeya species). The successful candidate will take the lead in understanding the molecular mechanism of plant resistance and the population dynamics of these pathogens. The candidate will conduct screening of potato varieties to fungal and bacterial pathogens in nurseries and greenhouse-based assays to test hypotheses. The candidate will establish a culture collection of commonly found fungi and bacteria on Minnesota potatoes to explore their pathogenic dynamics using bioinformatics, microbiological and molecular tools. The incumbent is expected to take a leadership role in data collection, data analysis, and compiling manuscripts for publication in appropriate journals. The successful candidate may be expected to work closely with different key stakeholders and collaborators and could be involved in supervising undergraduates. The incumbent will also be expected to present research findings at local and national conferences and assist PI in writing and preparing Federal/state proposals for submission. Initially, the position is offered for a year and continued support is contingent upon the candidate’s performance and/or funding.

Job Duties and % Time:

  • (30%) Performing molecular biology, biochemical, and microscopic studies
  • (25%) Develop plans and strategies and conduct field and greenhouse experiments
  • (20%) Writing manuscript, lab notes, and performing statistical and bioinformatics analysis
  • (15%) Surveying and collecting plant and soil samples for research
  • (10%) Mentoring undergrads and presenting findings to stakeholders, including growers and other researchers.

Required Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in plant pathology or plant sciences or a related area.
  • Must be able to lift objects up to 40 lbs.
  • Have a driving license or will be required to have it within two months of joining the lab

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Published at least 1-2 articles in peer reviewed international journals as the first author in plant microbe interaction/plant pathology.
  • Expertise in molecular biology and sterile microbial techniques.
  • Knowledge or experience with on farm research management and operations.
  • Experience in analyzing sequence data, construct phylogenetic trees and genotype populations.
  • Understand the basic principles of microscopy and be able to make morphological and physiological observations of fungal and bacterial structures used in morphological classification.
  • Experience using bioinformatics tools and statistical analysis (Knowledge of using R).

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online (https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/347524). To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Required Documents:

  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  3. List of three references

The preferential review of the applicants' date - May 15th, 2022. Only selected candidates will be informed for further consideration. Anticipated Initial Appointment Period: 1 year.

Salary = $48,426 per annum

Supervisors of position: Dr. Ashish Ranjan ([email protected]) and Dr. Devanshi Khokhani ([email protected])

Job ID 347524 Location Twin Cities

Job Family – Academic

Full/Part Time - Full-Time

Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code - 9546