About This Role:

The Wheat Genetics Resource Center (WGRC) at Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) is actively seeking a Fellow (Post Doc). The WGRC is looking for a highly motivated and open-minded candidate to join a multidisciplinary team of researchers working on diverse basic and applied aspects of wheat genetics and genomics and whose focus will be on the development of resources, tools, and strategies to discover, characterize and effectively utilize genetic diversity of wheat and its wild relatives for wheat improvement.

A candidate will collaborate with the WGRC research team on projects integrating genomics and phenomics data to understand the genetics and biology of agronomic trait variation. They will be responsible for analyses of SNP variation, RNA-seq, epigenomic, and phenomic datasets, mapping and characterizing genes and pathways underlying disease resistance and/or drought and heat tolerance traits. 

A successful candidate will have recent Ph.D. level training in plant genetics/genomics, bioinformatics, plant biology or related fields with the demonstrated potential to integrate experimental and analytical approaches to map and functionally characterize causal genes/pathways controlling phenotypic traits. Excellent organizational, written/verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment are required. Knowledge of coding in one of the major languages used for statistical analyses or analyzing genetic and genomic data would be a plus.

The candidate will have access to high performance computing resources of the KSU Beocat cluster (http://www.beocat.cis.ksu.edu/beocat), modern genomic instrumentation through the KSU Integrated Genomics Facility (http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/igenomics) and have a chance to interact with vibrant KSU research programs in plant genetics and genomics. For further details about the position, please contact Eduard Akhunov at eakhunov@ksu.edu.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements.  Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in bioinformatics, computer/data science, genetics or other related fields.  
• Two years of experience in the application of bioinformatical and statistical tools for analyzing genomic and phenotypic datasets in plant genetics programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of basic principles of major genomic technologies (next generation sequencing, RNA-seq, genomic variant calling etc.).
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques.
• Familiarity with at least one major programming language (Perl or Python, Java), and statistical computing environment (R or SAS).
• Excellent knowledge of experimental design and statistical techniques applied in analyzing big data.
• Experience with building relational databases for storing and retrieval of genomic and phenotypic data.
• Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in multicultural environment.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae with a list of publications
2. Statement of research interest
3. List of at least three professional references with contact information

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. 

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$48,000 - $65,000

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.