Postdoctoral Row Crop Foliar Disease Prediction and Monitoring

Postdoctoral Row Crop Foliar Disease Prediction and Monitoring

Clemson University: College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences: Plant & Environmental Sciences

Location: Edisto REC

Open Date: May 05, 2026

Description

We are seeking an exceptional post-doctoral associate to join our research group that is focused on a large multistate project related to the early detection of foliar diseases of cotton and the development of subsequent management schemes for producers. The post-doc will organize 3 monitoring sites in South Carolina to monitor the incidence and severity of Target spot and Aereolate mildew on cotton. This will include the collection of aerial spores and determination of the quantity of spores of the two diseases on a weekly basis. These will be synchronized with incidence and severity of the diseases at the site along with weather data to determine factors affecting the distribution of the two diseases. Results from South Caolina will be combined with data from eight other Southern states to develop a comprehensive model for the epidemiology of these and other foliar diseases of cotton. This work will be conducted as part of the "South Carolina Cotton Disease Predictive Tool Development" grant funded as part of the "National Predictive Modeling Tool Initiative". The opportunity exists to participate in similar multistate projects on foliar diseases of corn and soybean. A similar project funded by the South Carolina Corn Board, "Diagnosing and Surveying for Nematodes in South Carolina Corn-Based Farm", will allow the post-doc to work with growers and agents to document the foliar diseases of corn in South Carolina and monitor their disease progression. These two projects will provide extensive information on the epidemiology and management of foliar diseases of corn and cotton that can be used for in-field and classroom training sessions for growers and county agents to better manage these critical pests as well as to generate the Extension materials needed for these educational programs. Clemson University is the largest public land grant university in the State of South Carolina and was recently designated a R1 institution. The Edisto Research and Education Center is a 2,400-acre research site equipped with modern labs and all equipment and facilities needed to study row crop diseases.

Qualifications

Requirements: A PhD in plant pathology or a related field by time of application. Applicants must also have a demonstrated record of publication in peer-reviewed journals. Evidence of strong communication skills, experience working with diverse colleagues, and management and analysis of large datasets is highly valued in ranking applicants. Applicant must have the ability to identify foliar plant pathogens on row crops by symptomology and taxonomic traits.

Application Instructions

To Apply (https://apply.interfolio.com/185955): Please submit a cover letter, CV, representative writing sample, unofficial transcript from PhD granting institution, and contact information for at least 3 references. Last date to apply is May 8, 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/185955