USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Opportunity– Fungal Population Dynamics & Mycotoxin Ecology in Corn
About the role
The Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Unit within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) in Peoria, Illinois, seeks a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a multi-year project focused on understanding the population dynamics of fungal communities in corn and their impact on mycotoxin contamination.
Responsibilities
- Characterize fungal population structure and succession across key phenological stages of corn.
- Apply molecular and microbiome sequencing approaches (e.g., ITS/TEF amplicon sequencing, qPCR, metagenomics) to track fungal communities.
- Conduct mycotoxin quantification to link fungal ecology with toxin outcomes.
- Conduct field and greenhouse experiments to identify and evaluate the effects of factors influencing mycotoxin risk.
- Integrate computational and statistical tools to model fungal population shifts and identify environmental or biological drivers of mycotoxin risk.
- Collaborate with plant pathologists, microbiologists, chemists, and data scientists to develop predictive insights supporting improved food and feed safety.
Requirements
- Relevant doctoral degree in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Computational Biology, or a related field.
- Experience with fungal biology, microbiome sequencing, or mycotoxin analysis is highly desirable.
- Quantitative or computational skills.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
Qualifications
- U.S. citizenship is required.
Skills
- Experience with fungal biology, microbiome sequencing, or mycotoxin analysis is highly desirable.
- Quantitative or computational skills.
- Written and oral communication skills.
Benefits
Participants will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $6,000 - $6,430 monthly.
Pay
The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $6,000 - $6,430 monthly.
Schedule
The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.