Fellow (Post Doc)

The Kansas State University, Department of Plant Pathology in Manhattan, KS is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position with a focus on rapid diagnostic techniques. The candidate will be responsible for projects characterizing genotypic and phenotypic diversity for the pathogens that cause common bunt and dwarf bunt in wheat (Tilletia controversa, Tilletia laevis, and Tilletia tritici) along with related species. The candidate will develop accurate, rapid molecular diagnostic tools that can be deployed in a grain inspection environment.

Specific duties include:

• Independently designing experiments to assess the genotypic and phenotypic diversity for the pathogens that cause common bunt and dwarf bunt of wheat (Tilletia controversa, Tilletia laevis and Tilletia tritici) along with related species. This work will require experience working with fungi in the laboratory and with plants under controlled environmental conditions.
• Working with Next Generation Sequencing data and associated bioinformatics tools to aid in the development of nucleic acid based diagnostic tools (qPCR) for fungal species in question.
• Preparing scientific manuscripts reporting research outcomes and interpretations. Attending scientific conferences to present research findings to the scientific community.

The successful candidate should be prepared to work in a collaborative team environment and be willing to participate in other field and lab projects. This individual will also help mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

This position is on-site.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in plant pathology, microbiology, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Laboratory experience working with fungi and controlled environment plant assays.
• Experience working with Next Generation Sequencing data and associated bioinformatics tools
• Experience developing nucleic acid-based diagnostic tools (PCR, qPCR)
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
• Experience working with tools such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)
• Experience with population genetics techniques and software packages
• Experience with plant disease diagnostics
• Demonstrated peer-reviewed publication record
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
• Experience with programming languages, such as R or Phython

Sponsorship eligibility:

This position is eligible for sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Contact information for 3 professional references

Screening begins on May 2, 2025 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

47,500-60,000