Post-doctoral Scholar - Department of Biotechnology

Job Summary

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is now open on the research topic 'Molecular and phytochemical detection of hull, seed coat, and cotyledon structure' of peanut germplasm under varying pre- and post- harvest environmental conditions with respect to the aflatoxin pathway'. Aflatoxin contamination is a recurring problem in the U.S. peanut industry. Pathogenesis of Aspergillus flavus on important agricultural products is a key concern on human health due to the synthesis and secretion of the hazardous secondary metabolite, aflatoxin.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments in accordance with all regulatory and safety policies. Knowledge and application of molecular techniques as evidenced by scientific publications.
• Conduct multi-location disease sampling for experiments.
Phytochemical analysis of peanut germplasm and aflatoxins
• Analyze, summarize, and interpret the data of the experiments conducted in laboratory, greenhouse and on station and on-farm trials.
• Development of protocols to deliver high quality data and establish collaboration with peanut researchers in Georgia.
• Produce quality publications including peer reviewed papers, research reports, communication articles, posters to be used in local and international conferences, workshops, trainings etc.
• Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, SAS and fluency in spoken and written English is essential
• Aptitude to work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural environments.
• Guide and train graduate students in their thesis research on peanut biology

Minimum Qualifications

• A doctorate (Ph.D.) in plant/agricultural biology, plant development, plant molecular biology, or a related field
• 1-2 years of experience in molecular biology and phytochemical screening
• Strong experience in plant structure and function relationship studies
• Peer-reviewed publications in plant development or related fields.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills are highly desired, as are excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Working Conditions

Location: Agricultural Research Station, Fort Valley State University

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours Per Week: 40

• Travel required - For sample collection, attending meetings and training
• Working outdoors - Greenhouse and field experiments
• Climate controlled environment- Tissue culture and microbiology lab

Physical Requirements

May require standing or sitting for greenhouse experiments and field collection of research samples, lifting planting pots in the greenhouse etc.

Supervisory Controls

This position reports to the PI.

Direct Reports

This position has no direct reports.