Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology

School of Integrative Plant Science

Cornell University

Postdoctoral Associate

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home to Cornell University’s second largest population of students, faculty and staff. 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: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being. CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and their communities both in New York State and around the world.

Position Function

The Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology in the School of Integrative Plant Science is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on bacterial systems regulating expression of genes involved in plant disease and/or microbial interactions.  Studies will: (1) investigate the function of bacterial environmental sensing systems that control expression of virulence genes in soft rot bacteria (e.g., PMID: 27325679) and; (2) kin-recognition systems that underpin cooperative behaviors among related bacteria and competitive behaviors with unrelated bacteria.  These projects are expected to produce novel conceptual information about bacterial behavior especially as it relates to plant diseases. The position is funded by USDA-NIFA and USDA-ARS.

Location: Ithaca, New York

Key Responsibilities

• Use bacterial molecular biology and genomic approaches to test hypotheses
• Process and interpret data and optimize experimental systems to yield results with robust experimental support
• Communicate with collaborators internal and external to the lab
• Draft reports for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Anticipated Division of Time

Lab Research - 50%
Data analysis - 30%
Writing - 15%
Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students - 5%

Requirements

PhD from relevant disciplines (plant pathology, molecular genetics, microbiology)

Experience with:

• Knowledge of principles and practice of molecular plant pathology
• Experience with molecular genetics and genomics
• Experience working with large datasets and integrating those from different sources into a cohesive study
• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team toward a project goal
• Must have excellent writing and communication skills

Supervision Exercised

This position may supervise students.

Applicants should submit a cover letter that addresses the requirements above, and include a statement of your research interests, a curriculum vitae, a statement of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the names and contact information for three references via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/20776.

Diversity and inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage, beginning with Ezra Cornell’s founding principle: “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” We are an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and individuals with Disabilities.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.