Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fusarium Genomics, Detection, and Host Range
About The Position
The University of New Hampshire invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary project investigating a newly recognized Fusarium-associated disease of cold-hardy grapevines in the northern United States. The project integrates fungal genomics, plant pathology, molecular diagnostics, host-range studies, and grower surveys to advance understanding and management of this emerging disease. The appointee will work with Xiaochen Yuan (UNH), Kristi Gdanetz MacCready (USDA-ARS), and Suzanne Slack (UNH). This is a full-time UNH appointment based at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Cereal Crops Research Unit in Madison, Wisconsin. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2027. The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year depending on performance, continued funding, and project needs. The position involves approximately three short visits per year to Durham, New Hampshire, for research meetings, training, or project activities. The opportunity is open to U.S. citizens only, and appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and the ability to meet Tier 2 background investigation requirements for work at a federal research facility. The appointee will conduct research in fungal genomics, host range, diagnostics, disease management, and grower-oriented research; collaborate with project partners; and communicate findings through scholarly and extension materials and presentations. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of external sponsor funding.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Mycology, Biology, Genomics, or a closely related field by the appointment start date; candidates expecting to complete their Ph.D. by December 2026 are encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated research experience in one or more of fungal genomics, molecular diagnostics, fungal pathogens, plant–microbe interactions, or comparative genomics.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Willingness and ability to participate in laboratory, greenhouse, field, and grower-oriented research.
- Ability to meet federal facility access and background investigation requirements, including Tier 2 requirements.
- U.S. citizenship.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in the biology, taxonomy, phylogenetics, or population genomics of Fusarium or related fungal pathogens.
- Experience with whole-genome sequencing, genome assembly and annotation, pangenome analysis, comparative genomics, or genome-wide association studies.
- Experience with bioinformatics workflows using Linux, high-performance computing systems, Python, R, or related tools.
- Experience in plant disease diagnostics, HRM analysis, or molecular assay development.
- Disease research experience involving grapes, cereal crops, or other specialty crops.
Responsibilities
- Assemble, annotate, and analyze Fusarium genomes and conduct comparative genomic analyses across species and strains.
- Conduct host-range experiments involving grapevine, barley, wheat, maize, oats, and ryegrass.
- Investigate relationships between Fusarium populations associated with grapevines and cereal crops.
- Assist with a regional survey of cold-hardy grape growers across the northern United States.
- Contribute to the development and evaluation of PCR- and high-resolution melting-based diagnostic tools.
- Support studies of fungicide sensitivity and pruning or wound-management practices.
- Prepare manuscripts, reports, presentations, and extension materials.
- Present findings at scientific conferences, grower meetings, and extension events.
- Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers as appropriate.
- Collaborate with project partners across participating institutions.
Benefits
- Medical plan options
- Dental plan options
- Vision plan options
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Retirement plan options
- Paid time off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
