Postdoctoral Associate in Plant Genetics and Genomics

Position Description

Academic Job

Description

Plant Pathology and
Plant-Microbe Biology Section

School of Integrative
Plant Science

Postdoctoral Associate

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell
University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach.
The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Function

The Postdoctoral Associate will be based at the Khan
Lab at Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science, CALS. The
Khan Lab focuses on the genetics and genomics of disease resistance in apples, particularly fire blight and apple scab. We explore genetic diversity across cultivated and wild apple species to discover novel sources of disease resistance. Our work includes chromosome-scale, haplotype-resolved genome assemblies of apple cultivars and wild germplasm, apple and pathogen pangenomes, and development of new genotyping marker platforms. We identify resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs), develop molecular markers for breeding, and apply marker-assisted and genome-assisted selection to transfer resistance alleles from diverse germplasm into elite apple backgrounds. Our goal is to develop knowledge, resources, and strategies that combine multiple disease resistance alleles with the fruit quality and horticultural characteristics required for future cultivar development and sustainable agriculture.

We are seeking a self-motivated Postdoctoral Associate with a strong passion and interest for plant genetics, plant breeding, plant genomics, interest in understanding disease resistance mechanisms and development of novel genetic and genomic tools for genetic analysis and genomic selection. The candidate must be a creative thinker, proactive, and have the passion to develop hypothesis-based research to understand the genetics and molecular basis of disease resistance in plants. The candidate will be given opportunities and facilities to do cutting-edge research in host disease resistance using genomics, bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, and molecular biology approaches and will have access to greenhouse, controlled growth chambers, orchards, tissue culture facilities, state-of-art computational and genome sequencing facilities, and diverse germplasm. Please read the “Required Qualifications” carefully to apply for this position.

The main responsibilities of this position are: 1) creative design and execution of genetic experiments and disease resistance evaluations in growth chambers, greenhouse, lab, and field; 2) genetic analysis including genome-wide association studies, genome assemblies, marker and genome-assisted selection; 3) help develop research proposals; 4) publish peer-reviewed journal articles; and 5) present at national and international conferences.

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of
Ithaca, NY.

Anticipated Division of Time

The specific focus of this position will be:

Genetics of disease resistance in apples (80%): Experimental work will include designing genetic experiments; conducting bacterial and fungal inoculations and assessing disease resistance; DNA extraction; genotyping, sequencing and bioinformatics for de novo genome assemblies and genetic analyses to dissect the genetic basis of disease resistance. Genomic selection and marker-assisted selection to identify and pyramid multiple resistance loci into elite apple genetic backgrounds.

Proposal Development (10%):
Development of research proposals for basic and applied plant genetics with emphasis on genetics of host disease resistance.

Research Communication (10%):
Publish peer-reviewed journal articles, present at scientific meetings, seminars, workshops and develop both web-based and traditional tools for outreach and research extension.

Requirements

• Must

possess a PhD in plant genetics/breeding, plant molecular biology, or a related field.

• Candidate

must have excellent skills in bioinformatics, genomics, long and short red sequencing, genotyping, genetic data analysis/interpretations, plant pathology, programing, and statistics.

• Must

have good experience in molecular biology, laboratory and greenhouse.

• Candidate

must have a record of publications with at least two first-author publications in highly respected peer-reviewed plant genetics journals and be self-motivated for data analysis and writing research proposals, and articles.

• Must

have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS Driver’s License and be cleared to drive for university business, with registration with Agile/Fleet
Commander.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidate

should be able to multi-task and have good time management and attention to detail in order to meet tight deadlines, and work independently to initiate communications and ambitious collaborative research.

• Excellent

student supervision/mentoring skills, as well as enthusiasm to work and interact in an international scientific environment are assets.

Supervision Exercised

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

To

apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33343">https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33343).

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, a brief proposed 1-year research plan, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointments to academic positions require candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring range for this title is $63,480 to $64,000.

College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the
Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

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Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary unless otherwise noted)
• Unique applicable skills.