Postdoctoral Associate

Cornell University; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 62,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, invites a Postdoctoral Associate to advance genetic resistance in apples with a focus on fire blight and apple scab. The role emphasizes genome-scale analyses, marker-assisted selection, and collaboration across international teams.

In-person relocation to Ithaca is required for commuting distance. The position requires a PhD in plant genetics/breeding or related fields and strong skills in bioinformatics, sequencing, and data interpretation.

Qualifications

• Must possess a PhD in plant genetics/breeding, plant molecular biology, or a related field.
• Candidate must have excellent skills in bioinformatics, genomics, long and short read sequencing, genotyping, genetic data analysis/interpretations, plant pathology, programming, and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Creative design and execution of genetic experiments and disease resistance evaluations in growth chambers, greenhouse, lab, and field.
• Genetic analysis including genome-wide association studies, genome assemblies, marker and genome-assisted selection.
• Help develop research proposals and publish peer‑reviewed journal articles.
• Present at national and international conferences.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Genomics

Genotyping

Programming

Statistics

Education

PhD in plant genetics/breeding

Job description

Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next‑generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

School of Integrative Plant Science

Postdoctoral Associate

Position Function

The Postdoctoral Associate will be based at the Khan Lab at Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science, CALS. The Khan Lab focuses on the genetics and genomics of disease resistance in apples, particularly fire blight and apple scab. We explore genetic diversity across cultivated and wild apple species to discover novel sources of disease resistance. Our work includes chromosome-scale, haplotype-resolved genome assemblies of apple cultivars and wild germplasm, apple and pathogen pangenomes, and development of new genotyping marker platforms. We identify resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs), develop molecular markers for breeding, and apply marker-assisted and genome-assisted selection to transfer resistance alleles from diverse germplasm into elite apple backgrounds. Our goal is to develop knowledge, resources, and strategies that combine multiple disease resistance alleles with the fruit quality and horticultural characteristics required for future cultivar development and sustainable agriculture.

The main responsibilities of this position are: 1) creative design and execution of genetic experiments and disease resistance evaluations in growth chambers, greenhouse, lab, and field; 2) genetic analysis including genome-wide association studies, genome assemblies, marker and genome-assisted selection; 3) help develop research proposals; 4) publish peer‑reviewed journal articles; and 5) present at national and international conferences.

This is an in‑person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY.

Anticipated Division of Time

Genetics of disease resistance in apples (80%): Experimental work will include designing genetic experiments; conducting bacterial and fungal inoculations and assessing disease resistance; DNA extraction; genotyping, sequencing and bioinformatics for de novo genome assemblies and genetic analyses to dissect the genetic basis of disease resistance. Genomic selection and marker-assisted selection to identify and pyramid multiple resistance loci into elite apple genetic backgrounds.

Proposal Development (10%): Development of research proposals for basic and applied plant genetics with emphasis on genetics of host disease resistance.

Research Communication (10%): Publish peer‑reviewed journal articles, present at scientific meetings, seminars, workshops and develop both web‑based and traditional tools for outreach and research extension.

Requirements

• Must possess a PhD in plant genetics/breeding, plant molecular biology, or a related field.
• Candidate must have excellent skills in bioinformatics, genomics, long and short read sequencing, genotyping, genetic data analysis/interpretations, plant pathology, programming, and statistics.
• Must have good experience in molecular biology, laboratory and greenhouse.
• Candidate must have a record of publications with at least two first‑author publications in highly respected peer‑reviewed plant genetics journals and be self‑motivated for data analysis and writing research proposals, and articles.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS Driver’s License and be cleared to drive for university business, with registration with Agile/Fleet Commander.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidate should be able to multi‑task and have good time management and attention to detail in order to meet tight deadlines, and work independently to initiate communications and ambitious collaborative research.
• Excellent student supervision/mentoring skills, as well as enthusiasm to work and interact in an international scientific environment are assets.

Supervision Exercised

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Pay Range

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

Pay Ranges

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far‑flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointments to academic positions require candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring range for this title is $63,480 to $64,000.

EEO Statement

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “… any person … any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far‑flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life.

• employee wellness
• workshops
• childcare and adoption assistance
• parental leave
• flexible work options