Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Amarillo

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bushland, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will plan and conduct experiments in support or research projects important to plant pathology topics in the Texas High Plains including work on pathogens and pathosystems in corn, wheat, vegetables, and cotton.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct research on relevant plant pathogens and pathosystems in the Texas High Plains

• Lead research experiments on focused on 1) isolating, identifying, and pathogenicity testing of soil-borne fungi and foliar fungal and viral diseases and 2) assisting with ongoing research projects related to monitoring and evaluation of TSWV in vegetables crops with the goal to better understand important pathogens and develop management strategies to aid in reducing impact on crops.

• The position will be responsible for designing, planning, and executing experiments with duties including but not limited to ordering supplies, maintaining research equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and research regulations, mentoring students, and communicating with the PI about additional duties as assigned.

• Position will cover multiple aspects of research on plant diseases including laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments.

• Work collaboratively with inter-disciplinary researchers and projects.

• Participate in the development and submission of competitive grant proposals, research manuscripts and reports.

• The postdoctoral researcher will be required to drive a State of Texas vehicle to field, locations, vendors locations for purchases, the Amarillo center for meetings, and attend off-site meetings.

• Performs other duties assigned.

Requirements Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related discipline.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology with experience working with isolation, identification, and characterization of fungal pathogens.

• Understanding and experience of basic molecular techniques including PCR, q-PCR, and RT-qPCR.

• Experience with applied research in greenhouse and field settings including experimental design and statistical analysis.

  Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions in Texas.

• The postdoctoral researcher will be required to drive a State of Texas vehicle to field, locations, vendors locations for purchases, the Amarillo center for meetings, and attend off-site meetings.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with expertise in writing scientific manuscripts.

A successful applicant must attach a resume and answer all questions.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service.If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you.

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/extension-home/)

• Texas A&M AgriLife Research

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/college-home/)

• Texas A&M Forest Service

• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/tvmdl-home/)

  Texas A&M AgriLife collaborates with Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Texas A&M University as well as with other public and private partners.

• Prospective employee benefits

• Retirement programs

• Commitment to inclusive excellence (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/)

• Strategic plan