Fellow (Post Doc)

KSU Plant Pathology dept seeks a post-doc with a focus on rapid diagnostic techniques. Post-Doc will be responsible for projects characterizing genotypic and phenotypic diversity for the pathogens that cause common bunt and dwarf bunt in wheat.

  • 519561
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Plant Pathology
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Opening on: Apr 10 2025
  • On-site

About This Role

The Kansas State University, Department of Plant Pathology in Manhattan, KS is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position with a focus on rapid diagnostic techniques. The candidate will be responsible for projects characterizing genotypic and phenotypic diversity for the pathogens that cause common bunt and dwarf bunt in wheat (Tilletia controversa, Tilletia laevis, and Tilletia tritici) along with related species. The candidate will develop accurate, rapid molecular diagnostic tools that can be deployed in a grain inspection environment. 

Specific duties include:

  • Independently designing experiments to assess the genotypic and phenotypic diversity for the pathogens that cause common bunt and dwarf bunt of wheat (Tilletia controversa, Tilletia laevis and Tilletia tritici) along with related species. This work will require experience working with fungi in the laboratory and with plants under controlled environmental conditions.
  • Working with Next Generation Sequencing data and associated bioinformatics tools to aid in the development of nucleic acid based diagnostic tools (qPCR) for fungal species in question.
  • Preparing scientific manuscripts reporting research outcomes and interpretations. Attending scientific conferences to present research findings to the scientific community. 

The successful candidate should be prepared to work in a collaborative team environment and be willing to participate in other field and lab projects. This individual will also help mentor graduate and undergraduate students. 

Worksite Option

This position is on-site

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in plant pathology, microbiology, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Laboratory experience working with fungi and controlled environment plant assays. 
  • Experience working with Next Generation Sequencing data and associated bioinformatics tools
  • Experience developing nucleic acid-based diagnostic tools (PCR, qPCR)
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
  • Experience working with tools such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)
  • Experience with population genetics techniques and software packages
  • Experience with plant disease diagnostics
  • Demonstrated peer-reviewed publication record
  • Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
  • Experience with programming languages, such as R or Phython

Sponsorship eligibility:

This position is eligible for sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Cover Letter
  • CV
  • Contact information for 3 professional references

Screening of Applications Begins

Screening begins on May 2, 2025 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. 

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

47,500-60,000

 

 

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Why Join Us:

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.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

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:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

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