Stewart Postdoctoral Scholar - Mycology

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher to perform bioinformatic analysis of fungal genomes and to develop AI software supporting MycoED education and research. The role focuses on annotation, genotype-phenotype insights, and leading independent analyses for first-author publications.

You will build AI and traditional tools, create reusable data schemas and workflows, and contribute to teaching laboratories.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics or a closely related field.
• Experience with Python and bioinformatics workflows.
• Experience developing AI tools for biological research.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Experience presenting research and publishing manuscripts.

Responsibilities

• Annotate fungal genomes and perform bioinformatic analyses.
• Construct and maintain AI platforms for research and education.
• Support Myco-Ed student-driven genomics projects.
• Develop data schemas, software, and workflows.
• Lead publication of results and tools in peer-reviewed journals.
• Develop web services for access to tools and data.

Skills

Genomics annotation

AI in biology

Scientific communication

Grant writing

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics

Tools

Python

SQL

Job description

Position Summary

This post-doctoral researcher will perform bioinformatic analysis of fungal genomes and develop AI software. The job focuses on annotation and analysis of genomes generated as part The Mycological Curriculum for Education and Discovery (MycoED) which is a program aimed at scaling fungal genomics research and training through partnership with undergraduate and graduate level teaching laboratories. In addition to leading independent analysis of Myco-Ed generated data for first-author publication(s), this postdoc will also develop AI and traditional tools for streamlining Myco-Ed student (and faculty) research and provide support for ongoing projects, resulting in authorship on multiple diverse publications. The Department of Agricultural Biology is committed to excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about insects, plant pathogens, and weeds in agricultural, natural, and urban ecosystems. Our mission is to enhance human well-being by improving ecosystem sustainability. In addition to generating new knowledge, we apply knowledge in entomology, plant pathology, and plant sciences to solving practical problems related to biotic and abiotic plant stress, integrated pest management, and ecosystem health. People in Agricultural Biology participate in and value cooperative and collaborative efforts with other units within the University, as well as with individual stakeholders and other organizations in Colorado and beyond. We hold ourselves to a standard of excellence in teaching, research, extension, and service and act according to the Principles of Community.

Essential Job Duties

• Annotate fungal genomes and perform bioinformatic analyses, particularly for understanding genotype-phenotype relationships.
• Construct and maintain advanced AI platforms for research and educational purposes.
• Support diverse Myco-Ed student-driven genomics research projects.
• Develop and maintain new data schema, software and bioinformatics workflows (using Python or otherwise) to facilitate fungal genomics research by students and scientists.
• Lead publication of results and tools in peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and present at Create instructional videos - including introductory materials - describing how to interact with fungal genomics data using pre-existing MycoCosm tools as well as those developed as part of this work.
• Develop web services for improved access to newly constructed tools, data and Myco-Ed resources.

Supervision

N/A

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires). Valid driver's license by employment start date. Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of various data processing and coding languages (e.g. Python).
• Experience both utilizing and developing AI tools for biological research.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Experience presenting research at scientific meeting and to collaborators.
• Previous experience with generating reports, grant writing, and/or publishing manuscripts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fungal genome annotation and/or fungal biology research.
• Experience with SQL and similar databases.
• Experience with teaching and/or with preparation of course materials.

Salary Range

Salary Range $60,000 to $65,000

Search Contact

Search Contact: Jane Stewart, [e-mail]

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

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