Multiple postdoctoral scholar positions (1.0 FTE; 12-months) are available in the Department of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State University working collaboratively with the Sugarbeet Research Unit at the USDA-ARS.
The position seeks candidates interested in applying molecular and/or computational tools to characterized plant pathogen interaction and evolution in the sugar beet – Cercospora beticola pathosystem. A diverse set of project opportunities are available that include functional characterization of pathogen effectors and population genetics/genomics of geographically and temporally diverse populations of the pathogen C. beticola.
Applicants will have the opportunity to receive training on molecular techniques used for gene editing and various computational and genomic techniques employed in characterizing C. beticola pathology (RNAseq, variant annotation, GWAS, etc.)
The successful applicants will work collaboratively in large, multi-laboratory, and trans-disciplinary research teams, help mentor students, as well as lead and support manuscript and grant proposal writing. These are joint positions in the laboratories of Dr. Secor (NDSU), and Dr. Bolton (USDA) and Dr. Wyatt (USDA).
Required Qualifications: Minimum of a PhD in biology, microbiology, plant sciences, plant pathology, computer science, or related fields. Eligible for three years of a postdoctoral scholar position. Demonstrated productivity, capacity for independent research, and intellectual creativity.
Preferred Qualifications: Research experience in molecular plant-microbe interactions, population/comparative genomics, computational biology. A desire to learn and acquire new skills. Publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Experience with statistical programming (R/Python). Commitment to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness in working collaboratively. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
TO APPLY: For full consideration, individuals interested in applying should submit the following materials: 1) a letter of application discussing how the stated qualifications are met; 2) a detailed curriculum vitae including a list of publications and 3) contacts of three references If you have any questions, please contact Drs. Gary Secor Department of Plant Pathology/USDA-ARS Sugarbeet and Potato Research Unit: gary.secor@ndsu.edu Projected start date can be as soon as February 1st for the qualified candidate.
Screening will begin 2/24/23
Benefits:
NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement:
North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.
Veteran’s Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.
Land Acknowledgement
We collectively acknowledge that NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands. We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations. We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region.