"Post Doctoral Scholar"

Our laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to pursue postgraduate training under the guidance of Dr. Sanja Ilic, PhD, Human Nutrition, Department of Human Sciences, and Drs. Melanie Lewis Ivey and Soledad Benitez-Ponce, Department of Plant Pathology at the Ohio State University. Drs. Ilic and Ivey lead a fresh produce research and extension group at the OSU. Our laboratories integrate basic and translational approaches to food safety and work closely with Dr. Anna Testen (USDA) to investigate human pathogens and microbiome.

The long-term goal of our research group is to enhance human health through prevention of foodborne infections from consuming fresh fruit and vegetables produced, including the indoor hydroponic farms. Our team has been conducting hydroponic research and intervention development for over 15 years. We investigate interventions to prevent and eliminate human pathogens from hydroponic systems.

Studies relevant to this opportunity aim to characterize microbial communities and biofilms in hydroponics, human pathogen interactions with the resident hydronic microbiome, and test approaches for their management. Functioning independently, the Postdoctoral Researcher in this position will design, organize and conduct highly specialized and advanced experiments with L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., biofilms and microbiome in hydroponic crop systems, using established scientific protocols and procedures and, in some cases, designing new protocols; summarize findings and publish results in research journals; assume general responsibility for scientific operations of the laboratory; provide supervision and guidance to junior technicians, students, and researchers.

This is a full-time 2-year position, with the possibility of renewal.

Work duties:

This position will conduct activities necessary for the completion of the objectives of a specific grant. They will be responsible for following duties:

30 % - Execute and coordinate research studies focusing on human pathogen and algae biofilms, microbiome, and interventions focused on ensuring food safety of hydroponically grown fresh produce.

Design and implement research protocols; design safety procedures; adapt new procedures, methods or instrumentation relative to research procedures.

Oversee media preparation, biofilm culture, greenhouse crop maintenance and system maintenance, quality control analysis of reagents, media and control strains.

30% - Perform biofilm culture and measurements using culturing, molecular and imaging techniques.

Perform a variety of complex molecular microbiology techniques, e.g., DNA/RNA isolation, imaging, PCR, qPCR, flow cytometry and cell sorting.

Collect, prepare, and analyze research data; keep a detailed notebook summarizing experiments and recording research data; maintain computer database of research data; tabulate and display data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation; use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data.

10% Supervise graduate students and other personnel in the laboratory to coordinate research efforts for increased efficiency.

10% Search and synthesize pertinent scientific literature as needed.

10% Oversee and assist ordering and procurement of supplies and equipment and with general maintenance of laboratory.

10% This position will conduct activities necessary for management of the grant.

Qualifications and skills:

PhD from an accredited college or university. Ph.D. in Microbiology or related field with the strong emphasis on bacteriology, understanding of human pathogens and experience with DNA methods and microbiome data collection and analysis. Ability to work across disciplines and thrive in a multicultural and intradisciplinary team environment.