Post Doctoral Researcher

Ohio State University; Wooster (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Benitez Ponce laboratory at Ohio State University in Wooster is seeking a Post Doctoral Researcher to advance microbiology and decomposition of organic soilless substrates for controlled environment agriculture.

The role covers designing and conducting greenhouse and lab experiments, processing data, and manuscript preparation, with emphasis on microbial ecology and bioinformatics. The position is a term appointment with benefits and located at the CFAES Wooster campus.

Qualifications

• Must hold a PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience with molecular tools (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR) in microbial ecology.
• Experience with nucleic acid sequence data analysis and bioinformatics.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct greenhouse and laboratory experiments.
• Process samples, generate and pre-process data, and present results.
• Curate data and prepare manuscripts; analyze results for publication.
• Train lab personnel and assist project collaborators.

Skills

Molecular biology tools

Bioinformatics

RNA analysis

R language

Plant production systems

Education

PhD in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy/Crop Science, Horticulture, Soil Sciences, Ecology, or related field

Tools

RNA sequencing tools

Job description

The Benitez Ponce laboratory in the Department of Plant Pathology at the Ohio State University (OSU) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher position, located at OSU CFAES Wooster campus.

Job Title

Post Doctoral Researcher

Department

FAES | Plant Pathology

Position summary

Conducts research focused on different aspects of microbiology and dynamics of decomposition of organic soilless substrates for controlled environment agriculture production.

Duties

Duties include: support research activities such as experiment design and setup in the greenhouse and laboratory; sampling, sample processing, data generation, data pre-processing, and report presentation. In addition, the candidate curates, analyzes data, and prepares manuscripts deriving from interdisciplinary projects in controlled environment agriculture and presents results in different formats. Specifically, in the laboratory, the candidate applies various techniques to understand microbial roles in substrate decomposition. This includes handling and processing of samples for microbial analysis, maintenance and identification of cultures, and RNA-based analysis, including bioinformatics. The candidate also maintains thorough records of research, including annotated electronic resources and bioinformatic pipelines; prepares reports and assists on manuscript preparation for publication. The candidate will be expected to contribute to other laboratory group activities, such as, but not limited to, training of laboratory personnel and general lab maintenance, and interactions with project collaborators.

Essential Duties

• 50% - Data collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and communication (written and oral).
• 40% - Conducts greenhouse and laboratory experiments.
• 10% - Advise and interact with graduate and undergraduate students in research activities.

Degree requirements

• A PhD in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy/Crop Science, Horticulture, Soil Sciences, Ecology, or related field.

Experience required

• Application of molecular tools (DNA/RNA extraction and PCR) in microbial ecology, including nucleic acid sequence data analysis (and related bioinformatics experience), and experience with plant production systems are required.

Desired experience

• Application of bioinformatic tools for shotgun metagenomics and RNA sequence analysis; knowledge and application of R language; and experience in controlled environment agriculture.

Additional Information

This is a term staff position for no more than 3 years. This position includes medical, dental, vision, and pension options. The full benefits can be viewed at the link below and inputting the information specific to the position. (i.e. staff, 100% FTE, & Term) https://hr.osu.edu/benefits/eligibility

Location

Selby Hall (0410)

Contract Details

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)Scheduled Hours: 40Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

About Ohio State

At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties - including a job that’s right for you. Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you - and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence - and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.