"Post-Doctoral Associate"

About the Job

Supervisor of Position: Dr. Devanshi Khokhani
Anticipated Initial Appointment Period: 1 Year
Salary Range: $62,232 – $65,000 annually

The Khokhani Lab at the University of Minnesota seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead cutting-edge research on studying the molecular interactions of bacterial phytopathogens, including bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex on solanaceous hosts, Pennycress and Camelina bacterial pathogens, with a focus on identifying key molecular mechanisms of pathogen virulence and host resistance, as well as characterizing microbial biocontrol agents. The successful candidate will employ resistance screening of hosts, transcriptomic and genomic profiling to compare resistant and susceptible varieties during pathogen challenges. Additionally, the candidate will study gene clusters in bacterial pathogens that encode virulence factors, such as type III effectors and biofilm-forming mechanisms, contributing to the understanding of plant disease resistance mechanisms and sustainable biocontrol strategies. The incumbent is expected to take a leadership role in data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The successful candidate will work closely with research collaborators and may supervise undergraduate and graduate students. Opportunities include presentations at national conferences and preparing grant proposals.

Postdoctoral associates should look for at least 2-3 years of commitment and be enthusiastic about publishing. The position is initially offered for a year, and continued support is contingent upon the candidate’s performance and/or funding.
Note: These are not positions to which permanent residency can be granted for international appointees.

Job Duties

• 30% Plant disease experiment design/analysis, evaluate disease severity, calculate the Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC), analyze bacterial colonization in host plants by microbiological methods, and use confocal microscopy in a biosafety level 2 laboratory.
• 30% Design and analyze disease resistance screening, and transcriptomic/genomic analysis to identify bacterial virulence factors and host defenses in solanaceous varieties. Characterize pathogen gene functions using molecular, microscopic, and genetic tools (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, etc).
• 20% Explore biocontrol microbes or antimicrobials against bacterial pathogens, including gene cluster analysis.
• 20% Mentor students, collaborate with teams, and write reports and manuscripts. Present research at conferences and meetings, and participate in grant proposal writing.

Benefits and Expectations

Competitive salary with full benefits, access to advanced facilities, and opportunities for conferences/grants. Commitment of 2-3 years preferred; renewal based on performance/funding. Submit cover letter, CV, and three references; the application review will continue until a suitable candidate is finalized.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Microbiology, or Molecular Biology.
• Strong publication (at least 1-2 research articles in peer-reviewed international journals as the first author) record in peer-reviewed plant pathology related journals.

Preferred

• Experience working with potato, tomato, and bacterial phytopathogens.
• Experienced in designing randomized plant experiments, conducting growth chamber and greenhouse studies, and performing field-based disease scoring.
• Expertise in microscopy, microbiological, and molecular techniques such as transcriptomics, Western blotting etc.
• Proficiency in statistical software and epidemiological modeling
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team with different research groups to complete the study.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 - $65,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.