Postdoctoral Associate in Plant Genetics and Genomics

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in the Khan Lab within the School of Integrative Plant Science, CALS. The position focuses on genetics and genomics of disease resistance in apples, including fire blight and apple scab, with genome assemblies and marker platforms to enable resistance alleles to be pyramided into elite backgrounds.

The successful candidate will design experiments, perform advanced genomic analyses, and contribute to research proposals,

Qualifications

• Must have a PhD in plant genetics, breeding, plant molecular biology, or a related field.
• Excellent skills in bioinformatics, genomics, long and short read sequencing, genotyping, and genetic data analysis/interpretations.
• Must have strong background in molecular biology, laboratory and greenhouse work.
• Publication record with at least two first-author papers in reputable plant genetics journals; self-motivated for data analysis and writing proposals.
• Must maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License and be cleared to drive for university business, with Agile/FleetCommander.

Responsibilities

• Creative design and execution of genetic experiments and disease resistance evaluations in growth chambers, greenhouse, lab, and field.
• Genetic analysis including GWAS, genome assemblies, and marker-assisted or genome-assisted selection.
• Help develop research proposals and secure funding where possible.
• Publish peer-reviewed journal articles and present at national and international conferences.

Education

PhD in plant genetics/breeding or plant molecular biology

Tools

Genomics

Bioinformatics

Sequencing

Genotyping

Statistics

Programming

Molecular biology

Job description

Position DescriptionAcademic JobDescriptionPlant Pathology andPlant-Microbe Biology SectionSchool of IntegrativePlant SciencePostdoctoral AssociateThe College of Agricultureand Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and CornellUniversity’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle thechallenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach.The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlappingconcerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughsrequires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. Webelieve that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is afundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global futuredepends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. Byworking in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challengesand opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across thenation, and around the world.

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

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

• Mustpossess a PhD in plant genetics/breeding, plant molecular biology, or arelated field.
• Candidatemust have excellent skills in bioinformatics, genomics, long and short redsequencing, genotyping, genetic data analysis/interpretations, plantpathology, programing, and statistics.
• Musthave good experience in molecular biology, laboratory and greenhouse.
• Candidatemust have a record of publications with at least two first-authorpublications in highly respected peer-reviewed plant genetics journals andbe self-motivated for data analysis and writing research proposals, andarticles.
• Musthave and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS Driver’s License and becleared to drive for university business, with registration with Agile/FleetCommander.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidateshould be able to multi-task and have good time management and attentionto detail in order to meet tight deadlines, and work independently toinitiate communications and ambitious collaborative research.
• Excellentstudent supervision/mentoring skills, as well as enthusiasm to work andinteract in an international scientific environment are assets.

Employment Assistance

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email [e-mail].

At your request for a disability accommodation, you may contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice [phone], or email at [e-mail]. Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes 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 seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage 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 (VEVRRA) 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.

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

Pay Ranges

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:- Prior relevant work or industry experience.- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary unless otherwise noted)- Unique applicable skills.