School of Integrative Plant Science – Section of Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe Biology

New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, New York

Post-Doctoral Associate Position

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with an interest in interdisciplinary research into understanding disease resistance mechanisms in rosaceous fruit trees. The primary responsibility of this position is to identify loci, pathways, and candidate genes underlying disease resistance in rosaceous fruit trees using a combination of omics and quantitative genetic approaches.

The responsibilities of the candidate are: 1) to conduct research to understand resistance/susceptibility mechanisms in rosaceous fruit trees; 2) identify QTLs, candidate genes, and underlying disease resistance pathways using omics and bioinformatics approaches; 3) support development of research proposals; and 4) present at international conferences and publish peer-reviewed journal articles.

Specific Work Responsibilities: Specific focus of this position will be

Genetics of Disease Resistance in Apples (85%):

QTL and association mapping to dissect genetic basis of apple diseases

Bioinformatics to mine high-throughput omics data for candidate gene identification

Design molecular biology and transcriptomics experiments to identify and validate candidate genes

Research Communication (10%): Excellent presenter at scientific meetings, seminars, workshops and to develop both web-based and traditional tools for outreach and research extension.

Proposal Development (5%): Motivated and creative thinker to support development of research proposals for basic and applied plant genetics and molecular biology.

Required Qualifications: Must possess a PhD in plant molecular biology, plant genetics/breeding, plant pathology, or a related field. Must have demonstrated experience with work in molecular biology laboratory, greenhouse and field for plant pathology, molecular markers and quantitative genetics. Must have first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals. Ambitious and self-motivated.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience and interest in application of CRISPR/CAS based genome editing is desirable. Candidate should have excellent writing and oral communication skills, and a record of publications in highly respected peer-reviewed journals. Candidate should be able to multi-task and have good time management and attention to detail to meet tight deadlines, and work independently to initiate communications and collaborative research. Creativity and pro-activeness are assets, as well as enthusiasm to work and interact in an international scientific environment. Excellent student supervision/mentoring skills are beneficial.

Interested candidates should send letter of motivation, Curriculum Vitae, and names and contact information for three references to:

Awais Khan, Ph.D., Associate Professor,

Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section,

School of Integrative Plant Science,

New York State Agricultural Experiment Station

Cornell University

221 Barton Lab, 630 West North Street

Geneva, NY 14456 USA 

Email: awais.khan@cornell.edu