Post-Doctoral Associate

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to lead research focused on the identification, characterization, mapping, and deployment of novel genetic resistance to rust diseases of wheat and oats, with an emphasis on wheat stem rust and oat crown rust and stem rust.

The successful candidate will integrate plant genetics, genomics, quantitative genetics, and marker-assisted breeding to discover and characterize novel sources of disease resistance and facilitate their deployment in adapted breeding germplasm. The position will involve developing and evaluating mapping populations, conducting genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genetic mapping analyses, developing DNA markers linked to resistance loci, and introgressing novel resistance genes into advanced breeding lines.

Post-Doctoral Associates conduct research and/or services that provide further development of career skills or allow them opportunities to learn new research techniques. They are trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda.

Position is planned for two years with extension possible depending on satisfactory performance and funding.

Job Duties:
60% Develop and phenotype mapping populations for genetic analysis of rust resistance in wheat and oats. Perform GWAS, linkage mapping, QTL analysis, and other genetic analyses to identify genomic regions and candidate loci associated with disease resistance. Characterize and introgress novel resistance genes into advanced wheat and oat breeding lines through strategic crossing and backcrossing. Develop, validate, and deploy DNA-based molecular markers closely linked to or diagnostic for resistance loci.
20% Development of publications and presentations to distribute research results to the scientific community and other stakeholders
10% Conceptualize and write grant proposals to cultivate strong extramural support for wheat and oats improvement and research
10% Mentor/Supervise graduate and undergraduate students

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in plant breeding, plant pathology, or genetics. The individual may be immediate post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and/or retooling.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with genome-wide genotyping data, quantitative genetics, QTL and GWAS mapping, bioinformatics, proficiency in R, Python and/or Linux command line
* Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and marker development
* Experience working with large-scale datasets
* Experience with plant phenotyping for disease resistance, including field and greenhouse evaluations
* Strong communication skills

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strength in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science and crop physiology. Faculty research programs are focused on improvement of traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices for crops that are of key importance to agriculture in the upper Midwest. Faculty in the department are members of the Applied Plant Science, and Plant and Microbial Biology graduate programs. The faculty teach in the Plant Science, and Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture interdepartmental undergraduate programs.

Pay Range: $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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