Postdoctoral Research Associate
About The Position
The Antony-Babu laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead the field pathology and pathogen genomics of a project building predictive tools for cotton soil-borne disease management. The work is supported through a cooperative agreement with USDA-ARS and is conducted in collaboration with the USDA-ARS Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center (Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit). This is a field scientist's role with full ownership of the genomics that flows from it. You will take the major cotton soil-borne pathogens from field and greenhouse experimentation through isolate sequencing, hybrid genome assembly, comparative and population genomics, and diagnostic-tool development, and you will publish the resulting population-ecology and disease biology. The position works alongside a Ph.D. student across the whole project. We are looking for someone who is independent in field-based research and in molecular bioinformatics, and who sees genome data and disease ecology as one continuous line of work rather than separate specialties.
Requirements
- Ph.D. (in hand by start date) in plant pathology, microbiology, microbial/molecular genomics, agronomy/crop science with a pathology focus, or a related field.
- Demonstrated field and/or greenhouse experimental experience in plant pathology or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated bioinformatics capability: microbial/fungal genome assembly and annotation, comparative or population genomics, command-line work in a Linux/HPC environment, and scripting in at least one of Python, R, or Bash.
- Hands-on molecular biology (DNA extraction, library preparation, PCR/qPCR).
- Experience handling Oxford Nanopore (ONT) sequence data.
- A record of scientific productivity appropriate to career stage and strong written and oral communication.
- As a field-demanding position, a current driver's license is required.
- Ability to obtain a valid US driver's license.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with soil-borne pathogens of cotton or other row crops (fungal and nematodes).
- Population genomics, microbiome analysis, or diagnostic assay (LAMP/qPCR/ddPCR) development.
- Field-trial design and prior mentoring or supervisory experience.
- Experience in high-throughput culturomics is desirable.
- Experience in, or interest in, laboratory automation will be an advantage.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute field and controlled-environment pathology experiments, including inoculum-density gradient studies; direct undergraduate research interns during field-sampling campaigns.
- Lead hybrid (Oxford Nanopore + Illumina) sequencing, assembly, and annotation of pathogen genomes; conduct comparative and population genomics to characterize spatial/temporal structure, virulence, and effector variation, and to identify diagnostic target regions.
- Translate genomic targets into field-deployable molecular diagnostics (LAMP), with quantitative cross-validation by droplet digital and real-time PCR.
- Contribute to the host–microbiome analyses (GWAS/mGWAS, metagenomics) and the integrative modeling led by the graduate student.
- Apply machine-learning and AI-assisted tools in genome analysis, population and disease-ecology work, and pipeline development, with attention to reproducibility and validation of results.
- Develop reproducible bioinformatic pipelines on Texas A&M HPRC resources; prepare data, figures, and first- and co-authored manuscripts.
- Maintain accurate lab records in both digital and hardcopy form, and ensure up-to-date lab safety documentation.
- Lead and co-author manuscripts in scientific journals; assistance may also be sought in drafting extension documents.
- Mentor the graduate students and interns.
- Collaborate with USDA-ARS scientists.
Benefits
- Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
- 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
- Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
- Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife
- Retirement programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
