"Research Associate"

Research Associate

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, 24061

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

This individual will conduct laboratory basic and applied research on various aspects of fire blight bacterium Erwinia amylovora biology, physiology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, transcriptome, functional genetics and detection/quantification in plant samples. The candidate will optimize and conduct plant sample processing, DNA and RNA extraction, concentration determination, classic PCR assays, droplet digital (dd)PCR and qRT-PCR diagnostic/quantification assays, gene expression assays, genome/gene sequencing and assembly, genome sequence annotation, employ lambda-red recombination system, pathogen gene mutant characterization, analyses of genes/genomes, microbiome analysis, and characterization of plant pathogens and their infection sources. The candidate will conduct analysis of gained data elucidating the pathogen survival, management and plant-microbe interactions with focus on pathogen physiology, use of control agents, virulence factors and plant host/cultivar responses. The candidate is expected to utilize available DNA or RNA sequence analysis software platforms, conduct data collection and processing, statistical analyses and conduct all these research tasks independently. The successful candidate is expected to independently plan and conduct experimental trials: collect research samples, isolate/purify pathogen cultures, design, organize and manage lab experiments, budget and order laboratory supplies and materials, plan the ordering in advance so materials and supplies do not run out or expire, optimize DNA and RNA quantitative protocols, extractions, gene expression assays, sample/isolate storages, record all data in laboratory notebooks/save data on dedicated storage drives, and conduct any other closely associated tasks related to assigned research projects. The candidate is expected to design and run new laboratory experiments while conducting troubleshooting of various assays for their optimization and validation to obtain desired results for sponsored research projects under the direction of the project leader, Dr. Srdjan Acimovic. The candidate will be responsible for writing grant proposals, monitoring budget spending, preparing and writing project progress reports, collecting, analyzing and interpreting research results, presenting the results in professional meetings and writing research articles for publication in peer-refereed journals. The individual is also expected to mentor graduate students, train skills to students and staff, and collaborate with faculty and other scientists at Virginia Tech or other collaborating research institutions. This is a 1-year position that is renewable, contingent on performance and speed in conducting project tasks from project start to the refereed journal article publishing.

Required Qualifications

1. Master's degree in Plant Pathology or related field. (An exception may be granted for individuals with bachelor's degree and significant relevant experience.)
2. Skills in basic microbiology, bacteriology, plant pathology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, plant disease diagnostics and plant-pathogen interactions; quantitative PCR platforms for pathogen detection and quantification, gene sequencing and expression, gene-editing and optimization of these assays.
3. Skills in microbiome and genome sequence mining and analyses, antiSMASH analysis, CASymes analysis, effector analysis, BUSCO phylogeny, fastANI analysis, primer design, pathogen characterization, plant inoculation methods, pathogen sensitivity assays.
4. Strong scientific writing and data analytical skills with good track record of project data collection in notebooks, data storage and sharing.
5. Skills in conducting statistical analyses with various software independently.
6. Skills with microorganism manipulation in vitro and in vivo.
7. Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Plant Pathology with research experience focused on bacterial and/or fungal pathogens of plants with focus on transcriptome analyses and omics.
2. Demonstrated research experience on bacterial and/or fungal pathogens of plants with focus on identification and characterization of pathogens of plants, and on development and use of diagnostic and quantification assays for bacterial and/or fungal plant pathogens focused on pathogen biology, ecology, management and epidemiology.
3. Advanced use of basic cell and molecular biology techniques and analyses software including DNA/RNA manipulation (extraction from difficult samples), cDNA synthesis, gene expression analysis, gene and genome sequencing, gene and genome phylogeny, nucleic acid extraction, cloning, gene mutations, yeast two-hybrid screening, gene knockouts, and scanning electron microscopy.
4. Research experience in plant-microbe interactions, plant immunity responses to pathogens, plant pathogen gene expression, gene sequence analysis and functional genetics assays, Erwinia amylovora mutant characterization.
5. Experience and willingness to write grant proposals and a good record of refereed research publications on plant pathogens.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Hours per week

40 hours a week

Review Date

November 1, 2025

Additional Information

Applicants are required to submit/upload resume/CV and references.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Srdjan Acimovic at acimovic@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Apply Now