Post Doctoral Researcher

Post Doctoral Researcher

The Benitez Ponce laboratory in the Department of Plant Pathology at the Ohio State University (OSU) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher position, located at OSU CFAES Wooster campus. The postdoctoral research will work in a collaborative project to study growing media decomposition in soilless controlled environment agriculture.

Position summary:

Conducts research focused on different aspects of microbiology and dynamics of decomposition of organic soilless substrates for controlled environment agriculture production. Duties include, support research activities such as experiment design and setup in the greenhouse and laboratory; sampling, sample processing, data generation, data pre-processing, and report presentation. In addition, the candidate curates, analyzes data, and prepares manuscripts deriving from interdisciplinary projects in controlled environment agriculture and presents results in different formats. Specifically, in the laboratory, the candidate applies various techniques to understand microbial roles in substrate decomposition. This includes handling and processing of samples for microbial analysis, maintenance and identification of cultures, and RNA-based analysis, including bioinformatics. The candidate also maintains thorough records of research, including annotated electronic resources and bioinformatic pipelines; prepares reports and assists on manuscript preparation for publication. The candidate will be expected to contribute to other laboratory group activities, such as, but not limited to, training of laboratory personnel and general lab maintenance, and interactions with project collaborators.

Essential Duties:

• 50% - Data collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and communication (written and oral).
• 40% - Conducts greenhouse and laboratory experiments.
• 10% - Advise and interact with graduate and undergraduate students in research activities.

Degree requirements: A PhD in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy/Crop Science, Horticulture, Soil Sciences, Ecology, or related field.

Experience required: Application of molecular tools (DNA/RNA extraction and PCR) in microbial ecology, including nucleic acid sequence data analysis (and related bioinformatics experience), and experience with plant production systems are required. Desired experience: application of bioinformatic tools for shotgun metagenomics and RNA sequence analysis; knowledge and application of R language; and experience in controlled environment agriculture.

This is a term staff position for no more than 3 years

This position includes medical, dental, vision, and pension options.

The full benefits can be viewed at the link below and inputting the information specific to the position. (i.e. staff, 100% FTE, & Term)

Location: Selby Hall (0410)

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours: 40

Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.