Postdoctoral Research Associate

Cal Poly Partners; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision, life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid sick leave & 14 holidays

Job summary

Cal Poly Partners is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Pathology to join a multidisciplinary team focused on diseases affecting California strawberry production. The role emphasizes applied research to reduce food waste in the field and will involve collaboration with growers and industry partners.

The position is initially a two-year appointment with opportunity for renewal based on performance and funding. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or closely related discipline completed by start date.
• Experience researching fungal plant pathogens.
• Design, implement, and analyze biological experiments.
• Proficiency with molecular tools such as qPCR and DNA-based applications.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to develop research proposals and grant writing.
• Strong commitment to applied research addressing stakeholder needs.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• Interest in extension and working with growers and students.
• Valid California driver’s license and ability to travel to CA strawberry regions.
• Regular and reliable attendance; proficiency with standard office software.
• Background check required; mandated reporter per policy.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct lab, greenhouse, and field research on strawberry pathogens.
• Develop and evaluate integrated disease management strategies.
• Analyze data and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Develop competitive grant proposals for external funding.
• Present findings at scientific meetings and grower outreach events.
• Supervise and mentor Master’s students, undergrads, and staff.
• Collaborate with plant pathologists, entomologists, engineers, and extension specialists.
• Engage with growers and industry partners to address prioritized problems.
• Occasional overnight travel to collect samples from nurseries and fields.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Fungal plant pathogens research

Experimental design

Molecular tools (qPCR)

Peer-reviewed publications

Scientific communication

Grant writing

Independent & collaborative work

Extension & grower engagement

Office software proficiency

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related field

Tools

qPCR

DNA-based applications

Job description

It’s fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing!

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Pathology to join a multidisciplinary research team focused on economically important diseases affecting California strawberry production. The successful candidate will conduct innovative applied research focused on reducing food waste in the field through disease prevention, addressing critical disease management challenges facing one of California’s most valuable specialty crops. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with growers, industry stakeholders, and a collaborative team of scientists dedicated to improving strawberry production through research and innovation. Economically important diseases contributing directly to food waste in the field include those caused by soilborne pathogens (Macrophomia, Fusarium, Verticillium and Phytophthora as well as foliar and fruit pathogens (Botrytis, Rhizopus and Podosphaera) and others. The position is initially a two-year appointment, with the opportunity for a permanent appointment based on exceptional performance and the availability of long-term funding.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Design and conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field research on pathogens that directly contribute to food waste of strawberry.
• Develop and evaluate integrated and sustainable disease management strategies that minimize food waste for California strawberry production.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Develop competitive grant proposals to secure external research funding.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings, industry conferences, and grower outreach events.
• Supervise and mentor Master’s students, undergraduate researchers, and technical staff.
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of plant pathologists, entomologists, engineers, and extension specialists working on strawberry production systems.
• Engage with California strawberry growers and industry partners to ensure research addresses high-priority applied problems.
• Occasional overnight travel to collect samples from strawberry nurseries and production fields.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Applicants must have:

• A Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline completed by the appointment start date.
• Demonstrated experience conducting research on fungal plant pathogens.
• Experience designing, implementing, and analyzing biological experiments.
• Proficiency with molecular tools such as qPCR and other DNA based applications.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop research proposals and contribute to grant writing.
• Strong commitment to conducting applied research that addresses stakeholder needs
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
• Must possess astrong interest in extension andworking with growers and students.
• Valid California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to travel to strawberry production regions within California.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to use standard office software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistics, publishing, electronic mail, and calendaring systems.
• A background check is required for all regular, benefited positions.
• The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Fungal diseases of strawberry or other specialty crops.
• Molecular diagnostics, pathogen population biology, or fungal genomics.
• Fungicide efficacy testing and resistance monitoring.
• Field research in commercial production systems.
• Statistical analysis using R or similar software.
• Mentoring graduate or undergraduate students.
• Extension and stakeholder engagement.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone
• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrists to operate a computer keyboard and calculator
• Seeing to read a variety of materials
• Sitting or standing for extended period of time
• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects
• Commuting by automobile on an as-needed basis to travel to strawberry production regions within California

Desired Attributes

The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious, collaborative, and highly motivated to solve real-world agricultural problems. They will have a strong interest in translating scientific discoveries into practical disease management solutions for growers while contributing to a dynamic, team-oriented research environment.

Research Environment

The postdoctoral researcher will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of scientists including plant pathologists, entomologists, engineers, and agricultural specialists working together to address the most pressing challenges in California strawberry production. Excellent laboratory and field research facilities are available on campus. Research collaborations with growers in commercial fields is encouraged. The California Strawberry Commission funds applied research on a competitive basis and encourages proposals from the Strawberry Center. The position provides opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and universities while developing an independent research program with direct impact on the California strawberry industry.

Hiring Range:

$73,061- $100,000 annually

If you like growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you’ll enjoy your career with us!

Cal Poly Partners, an equal employment opportunity employer, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. The University actively encourages applications of all qualified individuals.

The department will evaluate experience and education to determine placement into appropriate position level. Subject to continued grant/center funding.

Cal Poly Partners provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and 14 holidays.

Employees are eligible to participate in the CP Partners Medical Insurance Plan offered through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees have different plans from which to choose including HMOs and PPOs. The coverage includes the employee, his/her dependents, or domestic partner. The CP Partners cover a large portion of the medical premium for the employee and eligible dependents.

All employees are members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and will contribute to their retirement; these contributions can be refunded if the employee terminates prior to retirement.

Please visit our website for additional benefits information. Employee Benefits (sharepoint.com)

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.

EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer