Position Summary

The position is responsible for conducting experimental duties in plant pathology, molecular biology, bioinformatics and metabolomics, and coordinating the daily operations of the laboratory, including but not limited to supervising laboratory safety compliance, maintaining instruments/equipment, and ordering supplies. Additional duties include training, supervising and assisting undergraduate and graduate students, laboratory assistants and visiting scholars in the performance of field and laboratory research tasks, as well as assisting the supervisor in administrative tasks.

Duties/Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for execution of experimental research in plant pathology, molecular biology, bioinformatics and metabolomics of plant, pests and pathogen systems. They will also assist the PI with planning and management of program research. A major portion of effort will be directed towards extraction and analysis of fungal or plant DNA, analysis of plant secondary metabolites such as phenolic, terpenoids and defense related proteins, and maintenance of the fungal collection of the lab. (40%)

The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating use of laboratory equipment and resources utilized by graduate students, research faculty, and professional staff. They will maintain plant materials, tissue samples, reagents stocks, and laboratory supplies, as well as ensure that the laboratory is cleaned and kept in an orderly manner. The incumbent will ensure all instrumentations/equipment is functioning properly and arrange equipment replacement, service, and/or repair when needed. In addition, they will maintain laboratory notebooks and databases. (20%)

The incumbent will be responsible for providing training for students, visiting scholars and staff in proper use of laboratory equipment and in experimental methods. They will assist students and staff with experimental set up, data analyses, and proper use of laboratory resources. (20%)

The incumbent will be responsible for safety regulatory requirements specific to the laboratory and ensures that the laboratory and all users are in compliance with those standards, as well as oversee safety training and certification of all laboratory personnel. (10%)

The incumbent will assist the PI with the management of funds and budgeting responsibilities, as well as other routine administrative tasks. (10%)