Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement: A Postdoctoral Assistant position is available in the Rawat lab in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland, College Park. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Initial support is for two years with additional time contingent upon performance.

The position is focused on developing molecular understanding of plant resistance to the fungal
pathogens of wheat, including FHB, rust, and powdery mildew. The candidate must have background in molecular plant pathology and should be adept in plant molecular biology techniques such as molecular cloning, confocal microscopy, transient and stable transformation, CRISPR-based gene editing, protein isolation, western labelling, and disease assays on wheat, Arabidopsis and Nicotiana. The successful candidates will functionally characterize resistance proteins in wheat and model plant-pathogen systems. The successful applicants will be strong team player, highly solution-oriented and will have a key role in ensuring smooth running of lab activities and student training.

Physical Demands: Ability to lift and carry, able to walk long distances, bending, kneeling or stooping are standard; You are expected to work outdoors in all conditions. Unpredictable weather often forces sudden scheduling changes, requiring a highly flexible work routine. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Preferences: A strong publication record and a PhD in plant molecular biology/ pathology or a related discipline, preferably within the past three years, is required. The expectations of the position include good problem-solving skills, leadership, independent thinking. Active engagement in mentoring students and disseminating science are anticipated from the incumbent.

Licenses/ Certifications: NA

Required Application Materials:
Applications must include Curriculum Vitae, A short cover letter describing research interests and career goals (2 pages max), Two sample publications, Names and contact details of three references.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Applications must include Curriculum Vitae, A short cover letter describing research interests and career goals (2 pages max), Two sample publications, Names and contact details of three references.

Best Consideration Date: 10/11/2026

Posting Close Date: 10/16/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$50,000 - $60,000

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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