Postdoctoral Scholar (psu)
Job posting number: #66111 (Ref:REQ_0000050170)
This Job Posting is Expired.
Job Description
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct primary research and to manage projects on the epidemiology and ecology of the soilborne plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae and bacterial communities in commercial strawberry production systems. We are looking for a dynamic, motivated individual to join the Crandall Laboratory at Penn State and collaborating Henry and LeBlanc labs at USDA-ARS in Salinas, CA. The Scholar will work on joint research between these labs. Projects will involve characterization of the epidemiological role of airborne dispersal by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. fragariae as well as evaluation of seasonal variation in soil, foliar, and airborne bacterial communities associated with commercial strawberry production systems in CA. This position is supported by USDA-ARS and is available for 1-year duration with the potential of continuing on given the Scholars' job performance and continued availability of funds.
This position will employ field experiments, statistical analyses, molecular diagnostics, and metabarcoding. Results will provide important data for future experiments focused on plant microbiomes and preliminary information for growers to improve management of soilborne diseases of strawberry. The Postdoctoral Scholars will hone their skills through independent research and mentorship. They will plan, conduct, analyze, and synthesize data, write and submit scientific manuscripts, and present research results at local and national scientific conferences. There will be room for professional development opportunities such as helping with course or symposium development, creating a project website, writing grants, and training/mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. While primarily research positions, Scholars are also responsible for some lab management and student mentoring such as: coordinating and documenting team meetings, organizing travel to meet with collaborators and stakeholders, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate student with their research projects.
Education and Experience:
This position require a PhD in plant pathology, microbiology, or related field. Competitive candidates must have significant experience in plant pathology and a willingness and enthusiasm to work in the lab, greenhouse, and field. A background in disease epidemiology and fluency in microbiome workflows and bioinformatic pipelines, or a willingness to learn these skills, is a must. The successful candidate will possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication (both oral and written) skills. A desire to participate in departmental and the Penn State Microbiome Center activities, as well as provide outreach to groups underrepresented in STEM fields will be viewed positively.
Application Requirements:
Please provide a: 1) Curriculum vitae, 2) cover letter highlighting research interests, accomplishments and your potential contributions to this position 3) 1-2 recent publications and 4) names of three references who can speak to your experience and skills. Please apply directly to the Penn State Job Website ( https://hr.psu.edu/careers), requisition #: 0000050170.
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