Post-Doctoral Associate

The Ranjan lab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to lead a multi-disciplinary study on the epidemiology, molecular characterization, and management of fungal pathogens affecting potato crops, with a focus on Verticillium dahliae (Verticillium wilt pathogen) and Colelcotricum coccodes (black dot). This funded project integrates field and greenhouse experiments, molecular biology, and statistical modeling to develop sustainable disease management strategies. The candidate will conduct screening of potato varieties for fungal pathogens in disease nurseries and greenhouse-based assays to test hypotheses. The candidate will establish a culture collection of commonly found fungi affecting Minnesota potato production to explore their pathogenic dynamics using microscopic, microbiological, and molecular tools. Please visit the Ranjan Lab for more information.

The incumbent is expected to take a leadership role in data collection, data analysis, and manuscript compiling for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with research collaborators and could be involved in supervising undergraduate and graduate students in the lab. The incumbent will have the opportunity to present research findings at local and national conferences and to write and prepare federal/state proposals for submission.

Postdoctoral associates should look for at least 2-3 years of commitment and be enthusiastic about publishing. The position is initially offered for a year, and continued support is contingent upon the candidate's performance and/or funding.

We Offer:

• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and field research stations.
• Collaboration with other UMN researchers, growers, and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

• (20%) Design and manage field trials to evaluate disease severity, calculate the Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC), and analyze yield/quality data across different
  management practices.
• (20%) Survey Minnesota potato production farms from infected potato stems, tubers, and soil samples. Perform microscopic and molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and qRT-PCR, to quantify, detect, and characterize pathogens.
• (20%) Studying effector gene overexpression by cloning, performing transient overexpression studies in model plants, and confirming their expression using western blot and other appropriate techniques
• (20%) Develop rapid greenhouse assays to screen potato cultivars and wild species for resistance to V. dahliae and Colelcotricum coccodes.
• (10%) Recording field and greenhouse study data and applying statistical methods (e.g., ANOVA, regression) to correlate pathogen load with disease outcomes and field and greenhouse screening trials.
• (10%) Writing research manuscripts, mentoring undergrads, and presenting findings to stakeholders, including growers and other researchers

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Strong publication (at least 1-2 research articles in peer-reviewed international journals as the first author) record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Must be able to lift objects up to 40 lbs.
• Have a driving license or will be required to have it within three months of joining the lab

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with on-farm research management and operations, fieldwork experience in disease scoring, and experimental design (randomized study).
• Expertise in microscopy, microbiological, and molecular techniques such as cloning, Western blotting, effector gene overexpression, and agrobacterium transformations.
• Proficiency in statistical software (R, SAS) and epidemiological modeling
• Experience working with potato, tomato, and fungal phytopathogens.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team with different research groups to complete the study.

Pay Range: $61,008.00 - $65,000.00; 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.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please upload the names of three references along with a cover letter and CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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