Faculty Assistant

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

4d•$50,300 - $68,000•Onsite

About The Position

A Faculty Assistant position is available in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland, College Park. This position will coordinate joint research initiatives in the Tiwari and Rawat labs. The position is focused on developing molecular understanding of plant resistance to the fungal pathogens of wheat, including FHB, rust, and powdery mildew. 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. Evaluation of applications will begin as they are received. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Initial support is for two years with additional time contingent upon performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in plant molecular biology/pathology or a related discipline.
Background in molecular plant pathology.
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.
Strong team player.
Highly solution-oriented.
Good problem-solving skills.
Independent thinking.

Nice To Haves

Strong publication record.
PhD in plant molecular biology/pathology or a related discipline, preferably within the past three years.
Leadership skills.

Responsibilities

Coordinate joint research initiatives in the Tiwari and Rawat labs.
Develop molecular understanding of plant resistance to fungal pathogens of wheat (FHB, rust, and powdery mildew).
Functionally characterize resistance proteins in wheat and model plant-pathogen systems.
Ensure smooth running of lab activities.
Assist in student training.
Mentor students.
Disseminate science.