"Research Scholar - DEPP"

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category: Entomology

Type: Full-Time

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Location: Laurel, Maryland

Essential Job Duties:
The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the NC State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) seeks to hire a Research Scholar to support a cooperative agreement (AP25PPQS&T00C172) focused on the development of advanced molecular diagnostics for plant quarantine pathogens. The position will contribute to the project titled "Artificial intelligence, real-time PCR, and CRISPR methods for detecting Tomato yellow leaf curl virus exotic species in support of the APHIS PPQ safeguarding mission."

Under the general guidance of a Senior Scientist, the Research Scholar will lead laboratory-based research to develop, optimize, and validate AI-assisted real-time PCR and related molecular assays for the detection of exotic plant viruses, with an emphasis on Tomato yellow leaf curl virus. The incumbent will work independently to design experiments, analyze data, document results, and contribute to reports, publications, and technology transfer efforts in support of APHIS PPQ diagnostic and safeguarding activities.

Development of Pathogen Detection Methods: Experimental Research, Data Analysis, and Reporting (80%)

• Design, develop, optimize, and validate molecular diagnostic assays for quarantine plant pathogens, particularly plant viruses.
• Perform DNA extraction and purification from plant materials, including seeds and leaf tissues.
• Conduct in silico analyses of pathogen genomes, primers, and probes to support assay design and optimization.
• Optimize real-time PCR reaction conditions and evaluate assay performance characteristics, including precision, accuracy, diagnostic sensitivity, and specificity.
• Develop and validate synthetic reaction controls for molecular assays.
• Prepare detailed work plans; execute experimental protocols; and generate validation, progress, and final project reports.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in official laboratory notebooks and electronic data systems; analyze datasets and generate figures, summaries, and reports.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized laboratory equipment, including QuantStudioTM 5 Real-Time PCR instruments, PCR thermocyclers, microplate readers, tissue grinders, and freeze-dryers.
• Perform general laboratory duties, including preparation of culture media and buffers, inventory management, greenhouse plant maintenance, and routine lab maintenance.
• Identify technical challenges, recommend improvements, and implement solutions to enhance assay quality and performance.
• Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, and draft manuscripts; co-present research findings with the Principal Investigator at meetings and conferences as appropriate.

Project Management, Quality Systems, and Training (20%)

• Manage assigned project activities, including scheduling, task prioritization, and coordination with collaborators.
• Track and monitor project-related budget expenditures.
• Conduct all research in compliance with the APHIS PPQ S&T PPCDL Quality Management System.
• Develop and document work instructions and standard operating procedures for diagnostic platforms intended for use by field personnel.
• Provide training and technical guidance to laboratory personnel; may oversee the day-to-day activities of a research assistant or biological laboratory technician.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• The incumbent will track reagents inventories and/or budget expenditures for the project; perform all activities with adherence to the Quality Management System (QMS) and approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the laboratory. Complete all required technical, EEO and work safety training.

Minimum Experience/Education:

• Ph.D in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related field (preferred), or MSc degree with more than 5 years' experience supporting relevant research.

Required Qualifications:

• Documented experience with basic molecular biology methods (nucleic acid extraction, PCR and RT-PCR, automated gel electrophoresis and others), and fungi or bacterial culturing techniques.
• Knowledge of detection & identification of microorganisms, and experience with sequencing and sequence analysis is preferred.
• Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently,
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• The candidate must be able to pass a background check.
• The position is based at the APHIS PPQ S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostic Laboratory (PPCDL) in Laurel, MD. US citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree with work experience of plant pathogen biology and/or detection, diagnostics of plant pathogens.
• Knowledge of pathogen biology and/or detection & diagnostics of plant pathogens, mainly viruses, and experience with real-time RT-PCR, sequence analysis is preferred.

Required License or Certification:

• Valid NC driver's license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire.

AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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