Post-Doctoral Fellow - Breeding Data Management and Curation Specialist

The Small Fruit Breeding Program at Auburn University is seeking a breeding data manager and curator specialist (Post Doc Fellow) to support the research activities of a USDA Specialty Crops Research Initiative Program award to Washington State University, Clemson University, University of Florida, Auburn University, University of Queensland, and USDA ARS. This highly collaborative project includes a diverse team of researchers working on crop breeding, genomics, genetics, curation, and bioinformatics. This is a benefit eligible, non-tenure track position available for two years. The project will expand the Rosaceae, Citrus, Vaccinium and Pulse crop databases to meet community demand for resources with usable big data aggregated, analyzed, integrated, and visualized, as well as data management and analysis tools.

This specialist based at Auburn University will support (1) collect, curate, and integrate all types of genomics, genetics, and breeding big data in easy-to-use and robust crop-specific databases, and (2) provide scientists/breeders with personalized training for field data collection software, big data management and analysis, and use of database resources, quantify impact of databases on genomics-assisted breeding, and broadly disseminate project activities and outcomes. Additionally, the specialist will work closely with the blueberry breeder at Auburn University to collect and analyze phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental data to build prediction models for key traits of blueberry such as flowering time, yield, and fruit quality.

This position reports to Dr. Sushan Ru at Auburn University. Meanwhile, the PDs of the Washington State University Drs. Dorrie Main and Sook Jung and will closely work together with their cohort of other crop curators and outreach specialists. This position requires frequent travel including driving.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

The minimum qualification is an earned Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Quantitative Genetics, or closely related field at the time employment begins. The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong background in plant breeding and genetics, research and scientific data management, and familiarity with programing.

Selected candidates must have the following essential skills:

Applicants must complete an on-line application process at the following link:
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/49851 and attach the following: 1) cover letter stating research interests and career goals, 2) current curriculum vita, and 3) copies of all academic transcripts. When prompted, please provide names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Only COMPLETE application materials will be considered. Active review of applications will begin December 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Sushan Ru at sushan.ru@auburn.edu

The Program: The Small Fruit Breeding Program at Auburn University is located in Auburn, Alabama, U.S. The program was established in 2021 to develop elite blueberry cultivars for Alabama and the broader Southeastern United States using a combination of traditional and molecular breeding technologies. Our research focuses on multi-environment cultivar evaluation, dissection of the genetic basis of important traits, and high-throughput phenotyping in blueberries and potentially other small fruit crops.

The University: Auburn University is an R1 land-grant institution organized into twelve academic colleges and schools. Auburn is ranked 40th among public universities in the U.S. News and World 2021 Report. For 2020, 24,505 undergraduates as well as 6,232 graduate and professional students were enrolled. The University is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, commitments to community engagement, positive work environment, flourishing student life programs, and beautiful campus. To learn more about the University, please visit: www.auburn.edu.

The Community: Auburn is recognized as one of America's best small towns with a moderate climate and easy access to major cities, beaches, and mountains. The city is situated along the rapidly developing I-85 Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama corridor. The combined Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Statistical Area boasts a growing population of over 160,000. The City of Auburn grew 43% in the past decade and is known for an excellent public school system and a local medical center acknowledged as among the best in the region. The City of Auburn website has information on the community and services that can be accessed at: https://www.auburnalabama.org/

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.