"Postdoctoral Associate - Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe Biology"

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

The CALS School of Integrative of Plant Science (SIPS) encompasses five fields: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil and Crop Sciences. Combined there are 100+ faculty, ~200 undergraduate majors, 200+ graduate students in six fields, and 600+ other employees located in Ithaca, Geneva, and other satellite locations across New York State. The School offers the multidisciplinary undergraduate major in the Plant Sciences and is also home to the Agricultural Sciences major. School faculty also contribute to the Biology, Global Development, and Viticulture & Enology majors.

Position Function

This position requires an experienced scientist to support plant microbiome research, both in controlled environments as well as in the field. The candidate will study the effects of cultivar mixtures in the rhizosphere in the context of drought stress, as well as disease dynamics in the phyllosphere. The candidate will evaluate plant phenotypes, sample plant tissues, perform DNA extractions and metabarcoding library preparation, and analyze microbiome data. The candidate will also perform quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis and is expected to summarize and present results both within the lab and at conferences as appropriate, and contribute to manuscript preparation. The candidate will also supervise undergraduate and graduate trainees as appropriate in the lab and field. This position will be funded by USDA NIFA Agricultural Microbiome Program. The individual will need to have the ability to drive to field sites in Geneva in order to collect samples and bring them back to the lab in Ithaca.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Lab Research: 40%
• Field Research: 20%
• Writing: 20%
• Train/Supervise: 20%

Requirements

A PhD in a relevant field (plant pathology, plant breeding, microbiology, ecology, or similar field). Demonstrated productivity, capacity for independent research, and intellectual creativity.

Supervision Exercised

Postdoctoral Associate will train graduate students and undergraduate students in lab and field research techniques. Postdoctoral Associate will supervise undergraduate students in the lab.

To apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring range for this title is University minimum of $62,232 to $65,000.

Pay Range: $62,232.00 - $88,745.00

Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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