The Plant Biosecurity Laboratory in the Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University conducts interdisciplinary research on emerging and transboundary plant pathogens threatening U.S. agriculture. Our laboratory integrates genetic resistance, diagnostics development, fungal and plant genomics, and epidemiology to strengthen detection, risk assessment, and integrated disease management strategies for high-consequence plant diseases. Specific research activities are conducted at the Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) under biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) containment conditions.
This position is supported by a USDA-NIFA Agricultural Biosecurity grant. The selected candidate will be responsible for conducting and coordinating experimental activities focused on the biology, epidemiology, and genomics of the wheat blast pathogen, Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT). The individual will play a central role in implementing laboratory and controlled-environment studies and contributing to data integration within the broader biosecurity framework.
Wheat blast is an emerging fungal disease with demonstrated capacity for intercontinental spread through infected seed. Although not established in the United States, wheat blast poses a significant biosecurity threat due to its potential impact on yield stability and grain quality. Understanding the mechanisms governing introduction, persistence, and epidemic initiation is critical for developing evidence-based preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.
The Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) at Kansas State University is one of the few facilities in the United States equipped for BSL-3 plant pathogen research. The BRI provides state-of-the-art containment laboratories, growth chambers, and controlled-environment facilities designed specifically for high-consequence and transboundary plant, animal, and food-borne pathogens. This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct research in a nationally recognized biosecurity facility and to gain advanced training in high-consequence plant pathogen research, containment procedures, and standard operating procedures for BSL-3 work.
Responsibilities:
o Conduct laboratory and controlled-environment experiments.
o Characterize pathogen survival, spread, and reproductive capacity.
o Perform molecular, genomic, and diagnostic analyses as appropriate.
o Data analysis and interpretation within a risk assessment context.
o Prepare manuscripts, reports, and project documentation.
o Maintain compliance with BSL-3 containment and biosecurity protocols.
o Collaborate with a multi-institutional research team and assist in mentoring students as needed.
The department of Plant Pathology studies plant health to understand life. Plants, animals, and microbes share common basic features. Research on plant genomics helps define gene function in other forms of life, even humans. Plants feed, clothe, and protect us. They provide energy for a variety of uses. They enhance the quality of our lives. They are crucial to our existence.
We foster excellence in research, teaching, extension, and service, and this has been recognized in our faculty awards and student awards.
We learn how plants and pathogens interact and how the environment affects that interaction. We modify plants so they can fight diseases and improve yield and quality. We transfer genes from wild plants to crop plants to increase genetic diversity. We study bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses; bioinformatics, biological control, biotechnology, disease diagnosis and management, disease physiology, ecology and epidemiology, host and microbial genetics and cytogenetics, modeling/statistics, molecular genetics, and molecular plant-microbe interactions. To learn more, https://www.plantpath.k-state.edu/.
This position is On-site.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
Applications close on: May 17, 2026
$53,000 - $55,000
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
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.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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