Job Title
Post-Doctoral Scholar
Requisition Number
DU12739
Department Name
81090:Forestry and Natural Resources
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
$45,000 - $55,000
Type of Position
Student
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
Ph.D. in a relevant field such as plant pathology, molecular biology, or bioinformatics.
Required Related Experience
0
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Periods of hiking/walking in forested terrain; lifting/pushing/pulling objects up to 25lbs.; sitting for extended periods of time.
Shift
Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Job Summary
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral scholar to join a team of scientists from the University of Kentucky, Purdue University, and USDA Forest Service Southern and Northern Research Stations who are working on the multidisciplinary project “Turning invasive pests against themselves— protecting trees with anti-pest-specific treatments”. The team is developing and testing RNAi-based suppression of six important test cases in forest trees: 1) chestnut blight, 2) Dutch elm disease, 3) butternut canker, 4) laurel wilt, 5) emerald ash borer, and 6) invasive adelgid species. The postdoctoral scholar will join the team and work to develop RNAi targets and application methods for the control of the fungal pathogens. The work will involve a wide range of plant pathology and molecular biology techniques including identifying target genes, developing culture and in plant RNAi assays, gene expression studies, and testing off target effects. The postdoctoral scholar will focus on the laurel wilt system with opportunities to work in the other fungal systems. Duties will include designing, and testing RNAi in the fungal systems and as part of the multidisciplinary, multi-institution team to compile and manage data, coordinate activities with collaborators, write reports and publish research in peer reviewed journals. The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to work with and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, participate in extension and outreach activities, participate in professional development activities and attend relevant and agreed-upon scientific conferences. This is a two-year position renewed annually with one submission or publication in a peer-reviewed journal in the first year required for consideration of year 2 renewal.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in a relevant field such as plant pathology, molecular biology, or bioinformatics
- Strong proficiency in molecular biology with experience in gene expression, RNAi and bioinformatics preferred
- Record of publications in peer reviewed journals
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Strong proficiency in molecular biology with experience in gene expression, RNAi and bioinformatics preferred. Record of publications in peer reviewed journals. Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
Deadline to Apply
11/15/2024
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