"Post-Doctoral Fellow - Breeding Data Management and Curation Specialist"

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title

Post-Doctoral Fellow - Breeding Data Management and Curation Specialist

Posting Number

P1934F

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

The Small Fruit Breeding Program at Auburn University is seeking a breeding data manager and curator specialist (Post Doc Fellow) to support the research activities of a USDA Specialty Crops Research Initiative Program award to Washington State University, Clemson University, University of Florida, Auburn University, University of Queensland, and USDA ARS. This highly collaborative project includes a diverse team of researchers working on crop breeding, genomics, genetics, curation, and bioinformatics. This is a benefit eligible, non-tenure track position available for two years. The project will expand the Rosaceae, Citrus, Vaccinium and Pulse crop databases to meet community demand for resources with usable big data aggregated, analyzed, integrated, and visualized, as well as data management and analysis tools.

This specialist based at Auburn University will support (1) collect, curate, and integrate all types of genomics, genetics, and breeding big data in easy-to-use and robust crop-specific databases, and (2) provide scientists/breeders with personalized training for field data collection software, big data management and analysis, and use of database resources, quantify impact of databases on genomics-assisted breeding, and broadly disseminate project activities and outcomes. Additionally, the specialist will work closely with the blueberry breeder at Auburn University to collect and analyze phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental data to build prediction models for key traits of blueberry such as flowering time, yield, and fruit quality.

This position reports to Dr. Sushan Ru at Auburn University. Meanwhile, the PDs of the Washington State University Drs. Dorrie Main and Sook Jung and will closely work together with their cohort of other crop curators and outreach specialists. This position requires frequent travel including driving.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Collect and curate genomic, genetic, and breeding data and upload to the Genome Database for Vaccinium and Genome Database for Rosaceae
• Help create outreach and training materials for specialty crop breeders and researchers
• Provide webinars and on-site training on how to use the Genome Database for Vaccinium and the Breeding Information Management System (BIMS)
• Manage mass communication to database users including newsletters and social media
• Help organize and participate in workshops at conferences
• Participate in preparation of scholarly publications

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualification is an earned Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Quantitative Genetics, or closely related field at the time employment begins. The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong background in plant breeding and genetics, research and scientific data management, and familiarity with programing.

Selected candidates must have the following essential skills:

• Strong background in plant breeding and genetics
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in R or other programming languages
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Excellent oral and written scientific presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability for time management and use of informed judgment to make independent decisions

Desired Qualifications

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must complete an on-line application process at the following link:
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/49851
and attach the following: 1) cover letter stating research interests and career goals, 2) current curriculum vita, and 3) copies of all academic transcripts. When prompted, please provide names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Only COMPLETE application materials will be considered. Active review of applications will begin December 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Sushan Ru at sushan.ru@auburn.edu