Postdoctoral Researcher (2-year)

Louisiana State University • Oxford, OH

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position for a Postdoctoral Research Associate available within the Plant Virology Lab at Louisiana State University. The position focuses on assessing virus establishment and movement in sweetpotato plants, with a specific emphasis on virus coinfection dynamics. This multidisciplinary project involves insect-mediated virus transmission experiments conducted in both greenhouse and laboratory settings. The role also includes training students and visiting scholars. The appointment is funded through 7/31/2027, with potential continuation through 7/31/2028 contingent on available funding, and there is no expectation of continuation beyond the stated end date. The position will be housed at the LSU AgCenter Campus in Baton Rouge, LA, within the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in plant pathology, entomology, or related field.
• Strong experience in virus-vector dynamics.
• Strong experience in virus transmission.
• Strong experience in molecular virus detection.
• Strong experience in project management.
• Strong publication record.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with virus detection.
• Prior experience with molecular biology.
• Prior experience with sweetpotato or other root crops.
• Prior experience with virus-vector work.
• Experience in setting up and conducting lab and greenhouse experiments.

Responsibilities

• Assess virus establishment and movement in sweetpotato plants, with particular attention given to virus coinfection dynamics.
• Conduct insect-mediated virus transmission experiments spanning both the greenhouse and laboratory.
• Train students and visiting scholars.
• Set up and conduct lab and greenhouse experiments.
• Collaborate with members of the lab and multidisciplinary teams.

Benefits

• Retirement
• Multiple medical insurance options
• Supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.)
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses)
• University holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas)
• Generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Possible educational leave
• Tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System

What This Job Offers

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