USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research in Plant Genetics

Research Project

The project seeks to develop molecular resources to advance breeding efforts for resistance to powdery mildew in hop (Humulus lupulus L.). The participant will analyze readily available phenotypic and genotypic datasets from populations segregating for disease resistance. One population is a large, structured multi-parent population, and another is a bi-parental population. The fellow will develop a consensus genetic map, identify marker-trait associations, determine the effectiveness of various methods to collect phenotypic data on marker-trait-associations, and conduct marker validation (also using existing datasets) and write publications for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Kayla Altendorf (kayla.altendorf@usda.gov).

Learning Objectives

• Develop molecular resources that support breeding for powdery mildew resistance in hop (Humulus lupulus L.).
• Analyze complex phenotypic and genotypic datasets from multi-parent and bi-parental populations segregating for disease resistance.
• Construct consensus genetic maps integrating data from structured and biparental populations.
• Identify marker–trait associations linked to powdery mildew resistance using appropriate statistical and genomic approaches.
• Evaluate and compare phenotyping methods for their effectiveness in detecting reliable marker–trait associations.
• Conduct marker validation using existing datasets to confirm robustness and applicability in breeding programs.
• Troubleshoot and analyze complex genomic datasets in an obligately outcrossing, highly heterozygous species.
• Communicate research findings through preparation and submission of manuscripts to peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or having received a doctoral degree in the relevant fields (e.g. plant breeding, genetics, applied plant science, plant biology, genetics, plant pathology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, genomics, or a related field).
• Experience with managing large-scale genomic and phenotypic datasets, preparing figures and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications or theses/dissertations.
• Experience with using common genomics and genetics programs.
• Experience with programming in R, Python, or similar.
• Experience with basic computer programs such as Microsoft.
• Experience with genetic data from outcrossing, highly heterozygous species, or in constructing genetic maps is preferred.

Contact Information

Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.PacificWest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.