Job Description
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 dynamic, motivated individual to join the Crandall Laboratory at Penn State in close collaboration with the LeBlanc lab 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 and modeling of seasonal variation in soil, foliar, and airborne bacterial communities associated with commercial strawberry production systems in PA and CA. This position will employ field experiments, statistical analyses, molecular diagnostics, and metagenomics. 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.
These positions 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, fluency in microbiome workflows and bioinformatic pipelines, and a willingness to learn these skills, is a must. Experience working on strawberries or other small fruit pathosystems is highly desirable. 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 One Health Microbiome Center (OHMC) activities will be viewed positively.
This position is supported by Penn State in collaboration with the USDA-ARS.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. 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.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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