Post-Doctoral Associate-Dutta

Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Researcher will investigate bacterial pathogens affecting vegetable crops—particularly cucurbits, onions, and brassicas—using comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to identify virulence factors and develop practical diagnostic and resistance-screening tools. This role will evaluate how production practices, environmental conditions, and inoculum sources influence disease outbreaks, and assess cultural strategies that suppress pathogens while supporting beneficial microflora. The researcher will also develop and optimize environmentally and economically sustainable disease management solutions. In addition to conducting independent and collaborative research, the incumbent will engage with industry stakeholders, contribute to student mentoring, and support grant development. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate research records, analyzing and synthesizing data, presenting findings at professional meetings, publishing scientific manuscripts, and assisting with routine bacterial disease diagnosis.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Analyze the impact of production practices, environmental conditions, and inoculum sources on the occurrence and severity of bacterial diseases in vegetable crops. (30%)
• Identify key risk factors and interactions that contribute to disease outbreaks in cucurbits, onions, and related vegetables.
• Generate data to inform and improve management strategies for reducing bacterial disease incidence under diverse field conditions.
• Develop and refine effective, field-ready management strategies to control bacterial diseases in cucurbits and onions. (30%)
• Optimize integrated approaches that balance environmental sustainability with economic feasibility for growers.
• Extend and translate research findings into practical recommendations and tools for industry adoption and field implementation.
• Apply comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to identify key virulence factors in bacterial pathogens affecting cucurbits and onions. (20%)
• Develop and validate practical, rapid diagnostic tools for accurate detection of bacterial pathogens in research and field settings.
• Design and implement phenotypic screening methods to evaluate host resistance and support breeding and disease management efforts.
• Collaborate with industry stakeholders and partners to align research with practical needs and support technology transfer. (10%)
• Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students while maintaining accurate research records and documentation.
• Analyze and synthesize research data and communicate findings through presentations at scientific and industry meetings.
• Assist PI in writing competitive federal grant proposals. (10%)

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification

• PhD in plant pathology
• Experience in classical and molecular bacteriology with working experience in lab and field based studies are preferred.