USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Plant Pathology/Crop Biodefense

About the role

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to work on a biodefense project targeting Claviceps gigantea, a foreign fungal pathogen that poses a high-consequence threat to U.S. corn production.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel methods for long-term biological material storage
• Investigate and overcome barriers to fungal culturability through applied microbiological and molecular approaches
• Generate and analyze the first genome data of Claviceps gigantea
• Identify and validate candidate molecular targets for the development of sensitive and specific diagnostic tools
• Contribute to building essential biological, genomic, and diagnostic resources for national biosecurity
• Collaborate with interagency partners on biodefense initiatives
• Conduct high-impact, translational research that strengthens agricultural resilience and national preparedness

Requirements

The ideal candidate should have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, preferably within the last 60 months or be expected to receive it by December 31, 2026. Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques, bioinformatics tools, and proficiency in BSL-2 and/or high-containment laboratory environments are preferred.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques
• Strong understanding and practical experience with bioinformatics tools for genomic analysis
• Proven experience or a strong willingness to adapt to working in BSL-2 and/or high-containment (BSL-3 or equivalent) laboratory environments
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven track record of contributing to scientific publications and presentations
• Ability to research both independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse research team
• Experience with Claviceps species, other sclerotia-forming fungi, or pathogens that are difficult to culture
• Experience managing and archiving biological samples
• Experience with long-read sequencing technologies (e.g., Oxford Nanopore)

Skills

• Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques
• Strong understanding and practical experience with bioinformatics tools for genomic analysis
• Proven experience or a strong willingness to adapt to researching safely and effectively in BSL-2 and/or high-containment (BSL-3 or equivalent) laboratory environments
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven track record of contributing to scientific publications and presentations
• Ability to research both independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse research team
• Experience with Claviceps species, other sclerotia-forming fungi, or pathogens that are difficult to culture
• Experience managing and archiving biological samples
• Experience with long-read sequencing technologies (e.g., Oxford Nanopore)