DESCRIPTION: The Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, has available a postdoctoral research scientist position to participate in a collaborative project focusing on development and characterization of wheat germplasm for resistance to Fusraium head blight (FHB) and barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) vector bird cherry-oat aphid (BCOA). The selected candidate will be responsible for germplasm and population development, FHB and BYDV/BCOA evaluation, marker design, genetic mapping and gene cloning, plant transformation, gene identification and functional characterization, and marker-assisted selection. The researcher will be expected to interpret and analyze the data and publish the results in peer-reviewed journals. This position is available for one year with subsequent years contingent upon funding and performance.
Minimum Qualifications:
· An earned Ph.D. degree in plant pathology/genetics or a closely related discipline.
· Prior postdoctoral training or research experience in plant genetics and breeding, phenotyping, and physiological assays.
· Expertise in genetic studies of resistance to plant diseases and insects.
· Working experience in modern biotechnologies, including ultra-high molecular weight DNA isolation, genome sequencing, RNA-seq analysis, northern blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, Nest-Loop PCR, molecular cloning, transient expression, plant transformation, confocal microscopy techniques, protein purification, western blotting and enzymatic analysis, marker (SSR, STS, STARP, and KASP) development, doubled haploid production, and marker-assisted selection.
· Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
· Able to initiate and accomplish research goals including publication of results in refereed scientific journals.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Prior experience and expertise in greenhouse and field evaluation of fungal plant diseases.
· Knowledge of bioinformatics tools and programming languages (e.g., R, Linux).
· Prior experience working with crops of agricultural importance.
· Excellent communication skills.
· A good record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Closing Date: June 1, 2024
Required Applicant Documents:
1) A letter of application discussing how the stated qualifications are met
2) A detailed curriculum vitae
3) List of publications
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please provide names and addresses, including phone and email address, of three CURRENT references from most recent positions held. Incomplete files and email applications alone will not be considered
SALARY:
Salary: 50,000+/year, commensurate with experience
Benefits:
NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement:
North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.
Diversity Statement:
NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.
Veteran’s Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.