Postdoctoral Research Associate Position at Oklahoma State University

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position (100% Research in Plant Pathology, Genetics, and Genomics).  This is an 11-month appointment located on the Stillwater campus.  The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year based on performance and the availability of funding.

Position Description

The Small Grains Pathology Laboratory at Oklahoma State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in plant pathology, genetics, and genomics. The successful candidate will contribute to research aimed at advancing host resistance to wheat pathogens in the Southern U.S. Great Plains.

The primary responsibilities of this position include fine mapping and cloning stripe rust resistance genes in hard winter wheat and developing molecular markers for deployment in wheat breeding programs. The postdoctoral researcher will also be expected to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international scientific conferences.

Qualifications

A doctorate in Plant Pathology, Plant Genetics and Breeding, Genomics, or a closely related field

Required:

Experience in the following

• Demonstrated experience in molecular genetics, statistical analysis, and handling genotype–phenotype datasets.
• Hands-on experience with rust phenotyping in field and greenhouse environments.
• Experience with gene-editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR) and molecular marker development.
• Experience in fine mapping/cloning of genes in wheat is preferred.
• Strong publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

1-2 Years Experience

• Demonstrated experience in molecular genetics, statistical analysis, and handling genotype–phenotype datasets.
• Hands-on experience with rust phenotyping in field and greenhouse environments.
• Experience with gene-editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR) and molecular marker development.
• Experience in fine mapping/cloning of genes in wheat is preferred.
• Strong publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Employment Conditions

Extensive travel throughout the state.  May require working before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. with periodic weekend duties.   Research will require exposure to pesticides, weather extremes, sun and agronomic field equipment. Research may require some heavy lifting (> 50 lbs.) and repetitive motion.

About the Department

The department consists of faculty, staff, post-doctoral scientists, and students, based on the OSU main campus in Stillwater. We offer programs leading to a B.S. degree in Entomology, M.S. degree in Entomology and Plant Pathology, and Ph.D. degree programs in Plant Pathology or Entomology. The undergraduate entomology program, with 70 students, is the second largest in the United States. Students in the B.S. program may specialize in insect biology and ecology, pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, or bioforensics. The department supports undergraduate general studies education programs and courses for students in the departments of Animal and Food Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, and others. Facilities include the Institute for Biosecurity & Microbial Forensics, Pesticide Safety Education Program, Stored Products Research and Education Center, Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Lab, and the Insect Adventure. The department is committed to enhancing an excellent team of diverse faculty, staff, post-docs, and students, and promoting positive and inclusive work environments for all individuals. Teaching, research and Extension activities are accomplished by 23 faculty members, and 15 professional support personnel and clerical staff. Additional information is available at the department’s website: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/entomol-plant-path/

For further information about the department go to http://epp.okstate.edu.   For the Oklahoma State University system and the Stillwater campus, visit the University’s website: http://go.okstate.edu/.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted online at: https://jobs.okstate.edu

Application documents should include 1) Cover letter, 2) CV, and 3) Contact information of three references.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and qualified candidates will be contacted for further consideration.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to: Dr. Meriem Aoun (meriem.aoun@okstate.edu).

To learn more about OSU Agriculture and Stillwater, visit these websites.

• https://agriculture.okstate.edu
• https://agresearch.okstate.edu
• https://extension.okstate.edu
• https://www.okstate.edu
• https://www.visitstillwater.org
• https://www.stillwaterchamber.org