The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead and support research on plant–nematode interactions, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying host resistance and nematode virulence. The successful candidate will integrate molecular, genomic, and bioinformatic approaches to investigate plant responses and nematode effectors. This position offers opportunities for scientific leadership, mentorship, and professional development within a collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

Research (80%)

• Design, execute, and optimize experiments investigating plant–nematode interactions
• Generate, analyze, and interpret molecular and genomic datasets
• Apply advanced approaches including RNA-seq, single-cell transcriptomics, and functional assays
• Lead manuscript preparation for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Present research findings at scientific meetings and seminars

Mentorship (15%)

• Train and supervise graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory, molecular, and data analysis techniques
• Provide guidance on experimental design, data interpretation, and research best practices

Grant and Project Development (5%)

• Assist with proposal development and grant writing
• Contribute to ongoing collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology or a closely related field (completed by start date)
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology and/or genomics approaches
• Experience analyzing transcriptomic or genomic datasets
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with plant–nematode systems
• Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines for RNA-seq or single-cell transcriptomics
• Prior mentoring or teaching experience
• Interest in collaborative and interdisciplinary research

Professional Development Opportunities

This position provides opportunities to develop independence in research, contribute to grant writing, build mentorship experience, and engage in collaborative projects that support career advancement in academia, government, or industry.

Additional Information:Location:Kottman Hall (0340)Position Type:Term (Fixed Term)Scheduled Hours:40Shift:First Shift