Postdoctoral Research Scholar

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology is seeking two Postdoctoral Scholars to conduct primary research and to manage projects on the ecology and epidemiology of soilborne diseases that affect plant health. We are looking for dynamic, motivated individuals to join the Crandall & Esker Laboratories at Penn State. The Scholars will work on joint research between these labs. Projects will involve computational modeling of soil diseases for row and specialty crops, development of molecular assays to test rapid detection of soil pathogens, and quantifying soil and phytobiome composition and function at the root-soil interface. These positions will utilize multi-variate statistics, multi-omic methods, namely metabarcoding, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. Results will provide important data for future experiments and preliminary information for growers to suppress soilborne pathogens.

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 and teaching, 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, some supplies purchasing, lab budget management, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate student with their research projects.

These positions are term appointments funded in part by USDA NIFA and are available for 1-year duration with the potential of continuing on given the Scholars' job performance and grant funding status.

Education and Experience:

These positions require a PhD in plant pathology, microbiology, or related field. Competitive candidates must have significant experience in microbiology and a willingness and enthusiasm to work in the lab, greenhouse, and field. A background in disease modeling and fluency in microbiome workflows and bioinformatic pipelines is a must. The successful candidates 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.

This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to clearances.

Application Requirements:

Please provide:

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 Requisition #: REQ_0000043755.

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