Post-Doctoral Associate in Wheat and Oat Rust Resistance Genetics

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Professional training opportunities

Health, dental and pharmacy plans

Job summary

The University of Minnesota invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead genetic resistance research against wheat and oat rusts, including stem rust and crown rust. You will integrate plant breeding, genomics, and marker-assisted strategies to map resistance loci and deploy markers in breeding lines.

You will develop mapping populations, perform GWAS, QTL analyses, and develop DNA markers; mentor students; contribute to publications and grant proposals; position is two years with

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant breeding, plant pathology, or genetics (immediate post-degree or retooling).
• Experience with GWAS, QTL mapping and marker development is preferred.
• Proficiency in R, Python and/or Linux command line; experience with large datasets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and phenotype mapping populations for genetic analysis of rust resistance in wheat and oats.
• Perform GWAS, linkage mapping, QTL analysis and other genetic analyses to identify loci.
• Characterize and introgress resistance genes into breeding lines via crossing/backcrossing.
• Develop, validate and deploy DNA-based molecular markers linked to resistance loci.
• Mentor/supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
• Develop publications and presentations; contribute to grant proposals.

Skills

Genome-wide genotyping data

Quantitative genetics

QTL mapping

GWAS mapping

Bioinformatics

R

Python

Linux command line

Marker development

Plant phenotyping

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in plant breeding, plant pathology, or genetics

Tools

DNA/RNA extraction

Job description

About the Job

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to lead research focused on the identification, characterization, mapping, and deployment of novel genetic resistance to rust diseases of wheat and oats, with an emphasis on wheat stem rust and oat crown rust and stem rust.

The successful candidate will integrate plant genetics, genomics, quantitative genetics, and marker-assisted breeding to discover and characterize novel sources of disease resistance and facilitate their deployment in adapted breeding germplasm. The position will involve developing and evaluating mapping populations, conducting genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genetic mapping analyses, developing DNA markers linked to resistance loci, and introgressing novel resistance genes into advanced breeding lines.

Post-Doctoral Associates conduct research and/or services that provide further development of career skills or allow them opportunities to learn new research techniques. They are trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda.

Position is planned for two years with extension possible depending on satisfactory performance and funding.

Job Duties

60% Develop and phenotype mapping populations for genetic analysis of rust resistance in wheat and oats. Perform GWAS, linkage mapping, QTL analysis, and other genetic analyses to identify genomic regions and candidate loci associated with disease resistance. Characterize and introgress novel resistance genes into advanced wheat and oat breeding lines through strategic crossing and backcrossing. Develop, validate, and deploy DNA-based molecular markers closely linked to or diagnostic for resistance loci.

20% Development of publications and presentations to distribute research results to the scientific community and other stakeholders

10% Conceptualize and write grant proposals to cultivate strong extramural support for wheat and oats improvement and research

10% Mentor/Supervise graduate and undergraduate students

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in plant breeding, plant pathology, or genetics. The individual may be immediate post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and/or retooling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with genome-wide genotyping data, quantitative genetics, QTL and GWAS mapping, bioinformatics, proficiency in R, Python and/or Linux command line
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and marker development
• Experience working with large-scale datasets
• Experience with plant phenotyping for disease resistance, including field and greenhouse evaluations
• Strong communication skills

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.