Post Doctoral Scholar

Ohio State University; Wooster (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio State University in Wooster invites applications for a Post Doctoral Scholar in FAES | Plant Pathology. The candidate will conduct independent research on soil and plant health, leading experimental design, sampling, data generation and analysis.

Responsibilities include manuscript preparation and presenting results from interdisciplinary projects across Ohio cropping systems. The role involves 40 hours weekly in Selby Hall (0410), with a fixed-term appointment.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related field with strong background in soil health, plant pathology or microbiology.
• Experience with experimental design, statistics and bioinformatics pipelines.
• Strong record of manuscript preparation and publication.

Responsibilities

• Collects, analyzes and communicates data from soil, plant and microbiome studies, including bioinformatic workflows.
• Designs and conducts field, greenhouse and lab experiments on soil health parameters at multiple scales.
• Mentors graduate and undergraduate students and supports group activities.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Statistical analysis

R language

Manuscript prep

Education

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

Tools

PCR

DNA/RNA extraction

Job description

Job Title

Post Doctoral Scholar

Department

FAES | Plant Pathology

Job Description

Conducts independent research focused on different aspects of soil and plant health, including measurements of soil physicochemical characteristics, microbial diversity and activity, other soil food web components, and plant disease assessments. Specifically, the candidate leads research including experimental design, planning, setup and sampling, data generation and analysis. Experiments could include handling and processing of samples for soil, plant and microbial analyses (including nematodes), maintenance and identification of cultures/isolated populations, and environmental nucleic acid analysis. The candidate also prepares manuscripts and presentations deriving from interdisciplinary projects on soil health in Ohio cropping systems. The candidate will maintain thorough records of research, including annotated electronic resources and application of statistical analysis and bioinformatic pipelines. The candidate will be expected to contribute to other group activities, such as, but not limited to, training of laboratory personnel, general lab activities and discussions, and extension/outreach.

Essential Duties

• 50% - Collects, organizes, analyzes, interprets and communicates data (written and oral), including bioinformatic and statistical analysis of soil and plant health and microbiome datasets.
• 40% - Designs and conducts field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments, including characterization of plant and soil health parameters and analysis of soil food web components.
• 10% - Advises and interact with graduate and undergraduate students in research activities.

Additional Information

Degree Requirements: PhD with a major in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Soil Sciences, Ecology, Statistics, Agronomy/Horticulture, or related field.

Required Experience: Handling microbial cultures and molecular expertise (such as DNA/RNA extraction and PCR) and nucleic acid sequence data analysis, including phylogenetics; Soil and plant health assessments; Experimental design and statistics; Bioinformatics as it applies to plant microbiome analysis and familiarity with R language; Manuscript preparation and publication.

Location: Selby Hall (0410)

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours: 40

Shift: 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

Benefits

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.

Company Culture

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. 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.