Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Mycology, U.S. National Fungus Collections/USDA-ARS
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Mycology, U.S. National Fungus Collections/USDA-ARS
A postdoctoral research opportunity is available to study the mycological collections of the U.S. National Fungus Collections in Beltsville, Maryland. Specifically, the goal of this research is to develop fundamental identification resources for the oomycetes that cause downy mildew diseases (Peronosporaceae, Oomycota) from types, exsiccati and other exemplar specimens, with emphasis on the genus Peronospora. The research involves a combination of classical and molecular techniques, and the candidate will take the lead on a new IDtools internet resource for Peronospora in partnership with the Identification Technology Program at USDA-APHIS.
This position is located within the USDA-ARS Mycology & Nematology Genetic Diversity & Biology group in Beltsville, Maryland, approximately 16 miles outside Washington, D.C. The position is grant funded and part of a multi-investigator project aimed at defining the diversity of the organisms that cause downy mildews. Excellent resources are available to support this research, including outstanding in-house instrumentation for microscopy, imaging, and DNA sequencing (including Sanger and NGS platforms), and an extensive, global resource of more than one million herbarium specimens from the in-house U.S. National Fungus Collections. A preliminary framework is already in place for the study, allowing the post-doctoral fellow to make immediate progress towards the project goals.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in an area related to the project. Must have a strong background and training in mycological systematics (oomycetes or fungi). The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in classical mycological research, including morphological assessments of mycological specimens through microscopy, taxonomy, typification, fungal nomenclature, and will be well-versed and experienced in molecular systematics. Successful candidates will have the ability to achieve project goals, work independently and in collaboration with a diverse team, and possess the demonstrated ability to communicate findings in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific meetings. No experience with web programming is required, as that component of the project will be supported through external partners.
Application Instructions
To apply for this position, please send an email expressing your interest with your CV and contact information for three references to Dr. Jo Anne Crouch (joanne.crouch@usda.gov). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with a start date between October 2021 and the second week of January 2022.
The stipend for this position is competitive and could support either a recent graduate or a senior-level post-doctoral fellow, commensurate with experience. The initial term of this position is one year, with renewal for a second year contingent on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds.
The appointment will be made through the ARS Research Participation Program of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (https://orise.orau.gov/usda-ars/).
This position is limited to U.S. citizens only.
Please note that because this position is physically located at a U.S. Federal government facility, this position is subject to applicable COVID-19 vaccination and masking requirements as well as a background check.