Postdoctoral Research Associate

Cal Poly Partners • Lexington, MA

88d • $73,061 - $100,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Pathology to join a multidisciplinary research team focused on economically important diseases affecting California strawberry production. The successful candidate will conduct innovative applied research focused on reducing food waste in the field through disease prevention, addressing critical disease management challenges facing one of California's most valuable specialty crops. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with growers, industry stakeholders, and a collaborative team of scientists dedicated to improving strawberry production through research and innovation. Economically important diseases contributing directly to food waste in the field include those caused by soilborne pathogens (Macrophomia, Fusarium, Verticillium and Phytophthora as well as foliar and fruit pathogens (Botrytis, Rhizopus and Podosphaera) and others. The position is initially a two-year appointment, with the opportunity for a permanent appointment based on exceptional performance and the availability of long-term funding.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline completed by the appointment start date.
• Demonstrated experience conducting research on fungal plant pathogens.
• Experience designing, implementing, and analyzing biological experiments.
• Proficiency with molecular tools such as qPCR and other DNA based applications.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop research proposals and contribute to grant writing.
• Strong commitment to conducting applied research that addresses stakeholder needs
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
• Must possess a strong interest in extension and working with growers and students.
• Valid California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to travel to strawberry production regions within California.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to use standard office software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistics, publishing, electronic mail, and calendaring systems.
• A background check is required for all regular, benefited positions.
• The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Fungal diseases of strawberry or other specialty crops.
• Molecular diagnostics, pathogen population biology, or fungal genomics.
• Fungicide efficacy testing and resistance monitoring.
• Field research in commercial production systems.
• Statistical analysis using R or similar software.
• Mentoring graduate or undergraduate students.
• Extension and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field research on pathogens that directly contribute to food waste of strawberry.
• Develop and evaluate integrated and sustainable disease management strategies that minimize food waste for California strawberry production.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Develop competitive grant proposals to secure external research funding.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings, industry conferences, and grower outreach events.
• Supervise and mentor Master's students, undergraduate researchers, and technical staff.
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of plant pathologists, entomologists, engineers, and extension specialists working on strawberry production systems.
• Engage with California strawberry growers and industry partners to ensure research addresses high-priority applied problems.
• Occasional overnight travel to collect samples from strawberry nurseries and production fields.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• retirement
• paid sick leave/vacation
• 14 holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree