Post-doctoral Research Opportunity in Plant Pathology

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-SMML-2016-888-0017-02
How to Apply

A complete application package consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.  Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV
  • Two references – While two references are requested, applications will be considered without reference information.  It is preferred that a complete application package contains a minimum of one reference.

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

A Post-doctoral Research Opportunity in Plant Pathology is available to study impatiens downy mildew disease with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory (SMML) in Beltsville, MD.  The desired appointment start date is the spring of 2017.

Impatiens downy mildew (IDM) disease caused by the oomycete Plasmopara obducens is one of several destructive downy mildews affecting specialty crop production in the U.S. and worldwide.  The selected applicant will establish sentinel plots in partnership with collaborators and major U.S. arboreta collections and use these resources together with molecular biology tools to address questions about pathogen evolution, persistence and the role of soil-borne innoculum in the IDM disease cycle.  In addition to serving as lead for this project, the selected applicant will cooperate with other team members, students, collaborators and stakeholders, and contribute to common research goals.

This research project is part of an ongoing multi-state, multi-disciplinary collaboration focused on understanding and mitigating downy mildew diseases in specialty crops.  Custom molecular tools and extensive resources are available to support the research objectives, including genome and transcriptome datasets, SSR markers, pathogen-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization assays.  The selected applicant will also have access to an extensive collection of genotyped P. obducens specimens documenting the disease across the U.S. and elsewhere.  The selected applicant will have direct access to state-of-the-art wet lab, genomics, bioinformatics and imaging tools both in-house and as part of ARS core facilities. 

The appointment is full-time for 12 months and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The annual stipend rate for this position is $51,000.  A stipend supplement in the amount of $6,000 is available to offset the cost of a health insurance plan.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  Relocation expenses in the amount of $600 will be reimbursed, with prior approval.  The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, ARS, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with ARS, this position requires a pre-appointment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must have received a Ph.D. in plant pathology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, microbiology or a closely related field within five years of the desired starting date.

The successful candidate will:

  • possess excellent wet lab and analytical skills
  • have experience studying organismal molecular diversity at the population level
  • be able to independently design and execute research projects with minimum supervision
  • be highly motivated, reliable, and able to succeed in a diverse and interdisciplinary environment
  • have excellent verbal and written communication skills

Previous experience working with biotrophic oomycetes and/or plant pathogens is highly desirable. 

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (8 )