NOTICE OF VACANCY
Pome Fruit Breeder/Geneticist (Apples)
Washington State University
Search #4873
WORKING TITLE: Pome Fruit Breeder/Geneticist
15% Academic Programs /85% Agricultural Research Center
RANK: Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, 12-month, tenure track
LOCATION: Washington State University (WSU) Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC), Wenatchee, Washington
SALARY: Competitive and commensurate with training and experience.
EFFECTIVE: July 1, 2008
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Washington State is the leading producer of apples, pears, and sweet cherries in the U.S., with more than 200,000 (180,000 apple) acres of tree fruits
statewide valued at more than $6 billion annually. The TFREC in Wenatchee is central to this large production region. The Yakima Valley and Columbia
Basin, easily accessible from Wenatchee, remain as some of the most agriculturally-diverse regions of the U.S. These regions are also major producers
of tree fruits in addition to many other high-value horticultural crops. The long, warm summer days, cool nights, low precipitation, and volcanic soils
make the area ideal for irrigated fruit production.
Washington State University is the state's land grant university with teaching, research, and extension missions. The Washington State University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture is located on the main campus in Pullman, with research locations and faculty in seven other locations throughout Washington State. As a result of recent strategic hires, Rosaceous genetics, genomics and plant breeding have emerged as a preeminent area within the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and within the College. The Orville A. Vogel Plant Biosciences Building on the Pullman Campus, the first of five under construction or planned in the Biotechnology Complex opened in 2005, features new state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities in support of an expanded university-wide effort in this area. A recently published analysis ranks Plant Science research productivity at Washington State University in the top echelon.
This position is located at the Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC) in Wenatchee, located in one of the principal production areas in Washington State. The TFREC is one of several research centers of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Comprehensive research projects are conducted by Washington State University and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) collaborating scientists in all phases of orchard culture, pest control, fruit harvesting and handling, fruit maturity, storage, grading and packaging. These programs also include basic science aspects of plant physiology, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, horticulture, economics and biochemistry. Research programs at the TFREC emphasize primarily apples, pears and sweet cherries although some research is conducted on apricots, peaches and plums. Research is also conducted in orchards of cooperating growers throughout the major fruit production areas of Washington. Production and postharvest research by USDA scientists is also conducted using grower orchards and in cooperation with fruit packinghouses. The core of the facilities is the main center campus located in Wenatchee which includes office, laboratory, and greenhouse space for WSU and USDA scientists. A newly dedicated state-of-the-art research orchard in Wenatchee provides field research facilities for these same scientists plus those from the main Pullman campus and other research centers around the state. The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission uses grower assessments on fruit produced in the state to provide funds to conduct a substantial research effort in partnership with WSU on every aspect of tree fruit production, from germplasm and rootstock development to improved post-harvest practices as well as sensory eating quality. Approximately $3 million per year is invested in tree fruit research grants, with funding based on the proportion of dollars collected for each tree fruit commodity.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent will lead the WSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture pome fruit breeding and genetics research and extension program, with emphasis on the use of modern genetic and genomic research tools to assist in the creation of new apple varieties specifically suited to production in the Pacific Northwest. The program complements other Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC) initiatives, such as tree fruit physiology, tree fruit virology, disease forecasting, post-harvest biology/technology, and integrated pest management.
The research program will focus on the use of modern genetic and genomic research tools to create new apple varieties, continuation and enhancement of the established apple breeding program, and maintenance and evaluation of the existing apple germplasm collection at Wenatchee. The incumbent's program will complement other breeding, genetics, and genomics programs in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture that focus on stone fruit, raspberry, and strawberry. Opportunities may also emerge for future work on pears.
The successful candidate will emphasize collaborative programs with state, federal, and private research and extension personnel to strengthen an interdisciplinary horticultural breeding, genetics, and genomics team. The successful candidate will actively pursue extramural research funding, contribute scholarly literature, and enhance the national and international scope of the WSU apple breeding program. The successful applicant will be expected to conduct an approved program of research consistent with the mission of the WSU Agricultural Research Center. The incumbent will be expected to work effectively with extension specialists and area agents, private crop consultants, and with the grower community and stakeholders. The incumbent will participate in regional meetings, promote apple varieties, and write for popular/grower press in addition to publishing in scientific journals. Teaching responsibilities will include classroom instruction in fruit breeding and genetics, and the mentoring and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: 1) Ph.D. in horticulture or a related plant science discipline at the time of hire.
2) Evidence of scholarly accomplishments in fruit breeding, genetics, and genomics.
3) Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and
non-technical audiences in oral, written, and electronic forms.
Highly Desired: 1) Excellent abilities in research, teaching, and team building.
2) Evidence of potential for acquiring extramural grant support.
3) Knowledge of field research in tree fruit breeding.
4) Knowledge of state-of- the-art genetic and genomic techniques.
LOCATION:
The Greater Wenatchee Area has a population of 37,300 and straddles the Columbia River in the center of Washington. In addition to excellent primary and secondary schools, Washington State University offers upper-division and graduate-level courses and programs through distance-learning opportunities located on the Wenatchee Valley College campus. Wenatchee is located on the eastern edge of the Cascade Range, thus providing abundant recreational opportunities. In addition to local attractions, year-round art and cultural events, and a thriving seasonal farmer's market, the City of Seattle and the greater Puget Sound Region lie 150 miles to the west.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Screening of application materials will begin January 15, 2008. A letter addressing qualifications, a statement of professional vision and goals, a detailed resume with publication list, copies of official college/university transcripts, and three current, signed letters of reference (direct from the source) must be provided. Send this application packet to:
Dr. John Fellman, Search Chair
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Washington State University
P.O. Box 646414
Pullman, WA 99164-6414
509-335-3454 (voice), 509-335-8690 (fax), fellman(a)wsu.edu
For information on application status, contact Ms. Bev Brantner at 509-335-3943 or brantner(a)wsu.edu.
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
WSU employs only US citizens and lawfully authorized non-US citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Washington State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521(v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509.-335-1259(f), or hrs(a)wsu.edu <mailto:hrs@wsu.edu>
Beverly Brantner, Program Coordinator
Horticulture & Landscape Architecture
Washington State University
PO Box 646414
Pullman, WA 99164-6414
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Johnson Hall 149
Phone 509-335-3943 Fax 509-335-8690
brantner(a)wsu.edu <mailto:brantner@wsu.edu>
Dear Colleagues,
I'm forwarding the message regarding the title submission for RGC4.
The deadline is extended for a week and due on Nov. 7.
Thanks,
Sook Jung
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ariel Orellana <aorellana(a)unab.cl>
Date: Oct 31, 2007 2:57 PM
Subject: Title submission for RGC4
To: sook(a)bioinfo.wsu.edu
Cc: lmeisel(a)unab.cl
Dear Sook:
I would appreciate your help on sending the following message to the
rosaceae community.
Dear members of the rosaceae community:
Just a reminder that the deadline for title submission of work to be
presented at the RGC4 meeting is today, however, we will extend this
deadline for 1 week.
The other important deadline is the abstract submission by December 31.
Please, check the web page www.rgc4.cl to submit your title. if you have any
trouble uploading your title, please send a message with the information to
rgc4(a)unab.cl
Sincerely
Ariel Orellana
Lee Meisel
Dear Colleagues,
The RosCAP Team Guidance Committee would like to thank you for your
efforts in organizing teams and preparing pre-proposals in such a short
time frame. We received a total of 8 proposals (3 malus, 2 fragaria, 2
prunus, 1 Rosoideae) that span a wide range of crops, traits, and
approaches. We do not view this as a competitive process and our goal
is to include as many teams and as many aspirations as possible into the
final RosCAP proposal. Our sincere hope is that all (or aspects of all)
can be included. After an initial review, we will be contacting the
team leaders for further discussions.
Best Regards,
RosCAP Team Guidance Committee
(Chris Dardick, Amy Iezzoni, Schuyler Korban, Eric van de Weg)
Chris Dardick
USDA-ARS
Appalachian Fruit Research Station
Kearneysville, WV 25430
(304) 725-3451 ext. 387
chris.dardick(a)ars.usda.gov
________________________________
From: Bert Abbott [mailto:aalbert@CLEMSON.EDU]
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 11:47 AM
To: Dardick, Chris
Subject: Re: RosCAP website
Chris, here is a pdf. of the CAP portion of the NRI RFA. Please send
it to all so that they can see the emphasis. Also note that the amount
is 5 million for 4 years but that these are envisioned to be
continuation type projects with continued funding. Bert
Dear Rosaceae Community,
Bert Abbott recently met with Debbie Sheely and Ed Kaleikau
regarding a RosCAP proposal and received some very positive feedback:
"When questioned about whether this was the right time for a CAP
proposal from our community, I was given the distinct impression that we
were in the right place at the right time. With the farm bill emphasis
on specialty crops, Ed felt that this was indeed very timely."
The deadline for the RosCAP letter of intent is closing fast (November
26th) and we need volunteers to quickly move the RosCAP forward. The
RosCAP Proposal Guidance Committee has put together a list of committees
and their tasks which must be accomplished ASAP. Activities include
refinement of the education and extension components, schemes for marker
development and marker-trait associations, as well as plans for web
portal development and bioinformatics. For most of the committees we
still need co-chairs in addition to volunteers willing to serve as
committee members. If you previously volunteered at the Rosaceae
Planning Meeting and your name is already listed, please confirm your
willingness to participate. Your participation will be essential for a
successful RosCAP proposal and would be greatly appreciated by all.
Please contact Cameron Peace (cpeace(a)wsu.edu) or Chris Dardick (
chris.dardick(a)ars.usda.gov) if you would like to volunteer and indicate
which committee(s) and whether or not you are willing to serve as a
co-chair.
Thank You,
RosCAP Proposal Guidance Committee
(Cameron Peace, Chris Dardick, Bert Abbott, Gennaro Fazio, Sue Gardiner,
Amy Iezzoni, Schuyler Korban, Herman Silva, Eric van de Weg)
Chris Dardick
USDA-ARS
Appalachian Fruit Research Station
Kearneysville, WV 25430
(304) 725-3451 ext. 387
chris.dardick(a)ars.usda.gov
Dr. Amy Iezzoni
Professor
Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
telephone: (517) 355-5191 ext. 391
fax: (517) 353-0890
Hi everybody,
I have had one reply from my earlier email to you - see below - so have had an easy job drawing up a tentative agenda for our RosIGI meeting in Zarogoza. There are exciting things going on, what with whole genome sequencing and a big project proposal for Rosaceae genomics applications in the US (RosCAP). I'm loooking forward to seeing those of you who can make it to Spain!
Best wishes,
Sue
________________________________
From: Sue Gardiner
Sent: Monday, 3 September 2007 11:48 a.m.
To: 'lewersk(a)ba.ars.usda.gov'; 'jasper(a)cil.biotech.uwc.ac.za'; 'Korban(a)uiuc.edu'; 'jwolmstead(a)wsu.edu'; 'riccardo.velasco(a)iasma.it'; 'angela.baldo(a)ars.usda.gov'; 'mvandyke(a)uwc.ac.za'; Emily Buck; Jean-Marc Celton; 'iezzoni(a)msu.edu'; 'foucher(a)angers.inra.fr'; 'mam262(a)cornell.edu'; 'eb31(a)cornell.edu'; 'slovinj(a)ba.ars.usda.gov'; 'aorellana(a)unab.cl'; 'd-byrne(a)tamu.edu'; 'pere.arus(a)irta.es'; 'toshiya(a)affrc.go.jp'; Sue Gardiner; 'tom.davis(a)unh.edu'; 'dorrie(a)wsu.edu'; 'tzhebe(a)clemson.edu'; 'ann.callahan(a)ars.usda.gov'; 'cpeace(a)wsu.edu'; 'chris.dardick(a)ars.usda.gov'; 'werner.howad(a)irta.es'; 'jill.bushakra(a)driscolls.com'; 'sjung(a)clemson.edu'; 'decroocq(a)bordeaux.inra.fr'; 'adhingra(a)wsu.edu'; 'sosinski(a)ncsu.edu'; 'RFolta(a)ufl.edu'; 'ebenezer(a)uckac.edu'; 'gvolk(a)lamar.colostate.edu'; 'cornb(a)ars.grin.gov'; 'deparfitt(a)ucdavis.edu'; 'FBLiss(a)dcn.org'; 'gvansickle(a)caltreefruit.com'; 'mcferson(a)treefruitresearch.com'; 'michael.wisniewski(a)ars.usda.gov'; 'jay.norelli(a)ars.usda.gov'; 'hsa1(a)cornell.edu'; 'csimon(a)ars-grin.gov'; 'zhu(a)tfrl.ars.usda.gov'; 'skb3(a)cornell.edu'; 'gennaro.fazio(a)ars.usda.gov'
Cc: 'rsocias(a)aragon.es'; Richard Volz; Allan White; Vincent Bus; Roger Hellens; Andrew Granger
Subject: Ros IGI meeting at EUCARPIA
Hi all,
- There will be a meeting of RosIGI (International Rosaceae Genomics Initiative) at the Zaragoza 12th EUCAPIA Symposium on Fruit Breeding and Genetics on Mon 17th September. I have been advised by the programme organizers that the advertized meetings that afternoon will take place in sequence rather than simultaneously; this is a great relief as most of us need to attend more than one meeting.
- I attach the minutes of our previous meeting at PAG XV in January. I am sorry I did not distribute these earlier, they got buried under other events. I am addressing this email initially to you who attended, and will distribute the message more widely through GDR. My apologies to those who get the message twice - if you know folk who would be interested and don't appear to be on either lists please forward the message to them.
We need to make up an agenda of the most urgent items - we are unlikely to have more than an hour for our meeting!
Suggestions so far include:
White Paper
Brief updates on sequencing programmes
News on RGC4
Please send items to me by the end of this week, so I can send the agenda out before I leave NZ for Spain.
See you in Spain!
Sue
PS It is raining most days here and I can't wait to get to Spain, it is my very first visit there.
___________________________________________________________________
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Plant Ontology Consortium is happy to announce the release #0907 of
PO database!
http://www.plantontology.org
* Ontology update
- 1109 PO terms
- 32104 annotations
visit http://www.plantontology.org/docs/release_notes/index.html for
more details
* New version of PO browser (http://www.plantontology.org/amigo/go.cgi)
- New interface
- New users guide
- New tutorials
- New feature: added "GO" (Gene Ontology) associations link to
Arabidopsis genes
* POC Website updates (http://www.plantontology.org/)
- added "Request PO terms" feature on navigation menu
- added "POC Outreach Activities" link in "Documentation" page
- Updated "Mail Archives"
- Updated "PO website usage statistics"
- Updated "Tutorials"
* POC and plant community
- Welcome experts from Medicago, Populus, Rosaceae, Solanaceae,
Vitis fields to join plant ontology development
Please email to po-dev(a)plantontology.org or subscribe po-dev
mailing list
- Phenote (a phenotype annotation tool using ontologies http://
www.phenote.org/) has added "plant" configuration, plus PO and other
plant related ontologies for curation.
Contact Nicole Washington ( NLWashington(a)lbl.gov ) for more
information about downloading and using Phenote tool
- Meet POC members in international conferences
@ 8th Agricultural Ontology Service (AOS) workshop, Rome, Italy
Sep 21-22
@ 5th International Symposium of Rice Functional Genomics, Tsukuba,
Japan Oct 15-17
@ 2nd International Biocuration meeting, San Jose, CA Oct 25-28
The Plant Ontology Consortium
web: http:www.plantontology.org
e-mail: po-dev(a)plantontology.org
submit requests at:
http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=add&group_id=76834&atid=835555
Standardized Phenotyping in Rosaceae
A new initiative in the international Rosaceae genomics, genetics, and breeding community!
With a shared ancestral genome, the details of which are beginning to come to light from structural and comparative genomics research, the possibility exists to discover common gene networks underlying traits of interest to crops of the Rosaceae family. Techniques in genomics and bioinformatics are rapidly expanding for such comparative efforts, and the bottleneck is now the availability of readily comparable phenotypic data. Recent meetings on this topic in the US held by Gayle Volk, involving germplasm curators, breeders, and researchers, have begun to identify the challenges in obtaining phenotypic data that can be meaningfully transferred across Rosaceae germplasm sets. Standardized phenotyping can be as "simple" as aligning data collection methods for a crop between two research locations, or between a breeding program and a genomics research study. It is more difficult to obtain phenotypic data for two different crops, particularly across subfamilies, that have the likelihood of being under common genetic control. Achieving this goal, however, holds the promise of strengthening Rosaceae-wide ties between breeding programs, germplasm collections, and genetics and genomics research.
The Standardized Phenotyping webpage is being created on the GDR (thanks Dorrie!). At first, the site will contain lots of background material and minutes of recent meetings. We will keep this website updated so that visitors can learn of progress and join general and trait-specific mailing lists.
For those of you who will be at the Eucarpia Fruit Breeding Conference in Zaragoza in a couple of weeks, an ad hoc gathering will be held. In an international context, we will discuss standardized phenotyping in each of the four categories of quality, pest and disease resistance, abiotic stress resistance/adaptation, and productivity (including flowering and plant architecture).We will seek to create subgroups of interested people to continue discussions in each category into the future. The time and place of this meeting is still to be determined, but will probably be after the RosIGI meeting on Monday 17 September. The agenda will be posted on the Standardized Phenotyping website. Anyone who is interested in this topic, whether or not they will be in Zaragoza, is also welcome to contact Gayle Volk (gayle.volk(a)ars.usda.gov) or Cameron Peace (cpeace(a)wsu.edu).
