USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Opportunity in Molecular Plant Pathogen Research

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table.

About the role

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in research aimed at elucidating the molecular, biochemical and metabolomic mechanisms driving pathogenic virulence and plant resistance. The interaction between biotic and abiotic factors that contribute to virulence/host resistance will also be addressed. The research will combine experiments conducted in a laboratory setting with greenhouse, plant growth chamber, and field trial research. Successful experimentation will rely on combinations of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and plant physiology.

This research will include growing transgenic, hybrid, and/or commercially relevant crops for conducting pathogenic infection assays under a variety of environmental conditions to examine the impact of multiple field-relevant interacting variables. Plant defense/resistance response mechanisms will be evaluated through conducting molecular-based assays such as ddPCR and/or qPCR, and biochemical analyses via chemical extractions and collaboration with unit Chemists. Data collected from these experiments will contribute to the USDA Food Safety Program's development of an AI-powered, publicly accessible database integrating genetic, phenotypic and biotechnological information. Successful outcomes will enhance the profitability and global competitiveness of the U.S. farming industry through creation of enhanced maize genetic resources.

Learning Objectives

• Gain experience within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research program that includes bioinformaticists, chemists, geneticists, and plant physiologists.
• Develop a thorough understanding of maize physiology, fungal pathophysiology, plant infection assays and molecular quantification techniques.
• Opportunities to present research findings to stakeholders and academic conferences.
• Hands-on learning in a team environment and exposure to research objectives aimed at solving various challenges unique to maize, or common to other food and feed related industries.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Matthew Gilbert, PhD (matthew.gilbert@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Agronomy, or closely related field).
• U.S. citizenship.

Skills

• Experience with DNA extractions and PCR technology.
• Experience in a greenhouse and/or plant growth chambers. Some technical understanding of plant irrigation/fertilization systems is a plus.
• Experience with Microbiological techniques, such as spore counting, plating, making agar plates and liquid media, and metabolic extractions, etc. is a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Software.
• Experience in multidisciplinary research teams, excellent communication skills, and an enthusiastic, solution-oriented approach to troubleshooting technical or analytical challenges is highly desirable.

Schedule

• Full-time appointment.
• Anticipated start date: October 2026 (flexible depending on various factors).
• Initial appointment length: one year, renewable upon recommendation and contingent on the availability of funds.

Pay

Stipend of $6,223.17 per month.