Post Doctoral Research Associate Plant Pathology

Position Description:
A postdoctoral position in molecular plant pathology is available starting immediately in the laboratories of Dr. Bill Underwood at the USDA - ARS in Fargo, ND and Dr. Robert Brueggeman in the Department of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State University, Fargo. The successful candidate for this position will conduct research using the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana to characterize the molecular and physiological nature of quantitative resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal agent of white mold diseases on many crop plants. Genome-wide association studies ( GWAS ) have been carried out to identify numerous Arabidopsis genomic regions associated with resistance against two S. sclerotiorium isolates that vary in pathogenic aggressiveness. The successful candidate will be responsible for validating candidate genes involved in quantitative resistance to S. sclerotiorum and evaluating their function in pathogen defense to determine the underlying mechanisms of resistance to this pathogen. The postdoc will also evaluate potential plant fitness trade-offs associated with high levels of quantitative resistance to this pathogen that may impact agronomic quality of crop plants. The position will be tailored to the skills and interests of the postdoc but will primarily focus on validation of genes involved resistance to S. sclerotiorum followed by functional characterization and mode of action studies of these genes/proteins to determine their contribution to resistance. One year of funding is available with the option of additional years contingent on performance.

Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in the fields of molecular plant pathology, molecular microbiology, or genetics awarded no more than five (5) years from initial date of postdoctoral appointment. Experience;

• Designing and performing greenhouse and growth chamber experiments with fungal pathogens and plants.
• Evaluating disease caused by fungal plant pathogens.
• Performing molecular biology techniques including gene cloning, RNA and DNA isolations, real-time quantitative RT- PCR , protein expression and tagging.
• Experience manipulating large datasets such as genome sequence or RNAseq data using relevant bioinformatics tools and pipelines, particularly in a Linux computing environment.
• Independent researcher with proven scientific writing skills.
  *Effective oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Utilizing Arabidopsis to study plant-microbe interactions, including reverse genetic approaches and plant transformation.
• Using Linux-based bioinformatics tools.
• Performing genome-wide association and related analyses.
• Investigating the genetic basis of quantitative traits.

Open Until Filled: Yes
Search Type: Internal/External Simultaneously: Open to all applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Screening will begin: 12/12/18

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:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of 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.

Veteran's Preference Notice: This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.
Location (City, State): Fargo, ND

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Are you a North Dakota resident?
   • Yes
   • No
2. Do you qualify for North Dakota veteran's preference?
   • Yes
   • No
3. If yes, list exact dates of service:
   (Open Ended Question)
   
4. Do you qualify for North Dakota disabled veteran's preference?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * How did you hear about this position?
   • Academic Department
   • Bismarck Tribune
   • CareerFargo.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Fargo Forum
   • JobsHQ
   • Friend/Co-worker/Family member
   • Higheredjobs.com
   • Indeed.com
   • Job Service of North Dakota
   • NDSU Employee
   • NDSU Website
   • Other newspaper (Please specify below)
   • Professional Publication/Organization Website
   • University Placement Office
   • Inside Higher Education
   • Other (Please specify below)
6. If Other, please specify:
   (Open Ended Question)
   

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

1. Veterans Preference Claim Form (DD214)
2. Veterans Administration Letter
3. Other Document 1