This individual will conduct laboratory basic and applied research on various aspects of Erwinia amylovora biology, physiology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, transcriptome and detection/quantification in plant samples. The candidate will optimize and conduct plant sample processing, DNA and RNA extraction, concentration determination, classic PCR assays, droplet digital (dd)PCR and qRT-PCR diagnostic/quantification assays, gene expression assays, genome/gene sequencing and assembly, genome sequence annotation, analyses of genes/genomes, microbiome analysis, and characterization of plant pathogens and their infection sources. The candidate will conduct analysis of gained data elucidating the pathogen survival, management and plant-microbe interactions with focus on pathogen physiology, use of control agents, virulence factors and plant host/cultivar responses. The candidate is expected to utilize available DNA or RNA sequence analysis software platforms, conduct data collection and processing, statistical analyses and conduct all these research tasks independently. The successful candidate is expected to independently plan and conduct experimental trials: collect research samples, isolate/purify pathogen cultures, design, organize and manage lab experiments, budget and order laboratory supplies and materials, plan the ordering in advance so materials and supplies do not run out or expire, optimize DNA and RNA quantitative protocols, extractions, gene expression assays, sample/isolate storages, record all data in laboratory notebooks/save data on dedicated storage drives, and conduct any other closely associated tasks related to assigned research projects. The candidate is expected to design and run new laboratory experiments while conducting troubleshooting of various assays for their optimization and validation to obtain desired results for sponsored research projects under the direction of the project leader, Dr. Srdjan Acimovic. The candidate will be responsible for writing grant proposals, monitoring budget spending, preparing and writing project progress reports, collecting, analyzing and interpreting research results, presenting the results in professional meetings and writing research articles for publication in peer-refereed journals. The individual is also expected to mentor graduate students, train skills to students and staff, and collaborate with faculty and other scientists at Virginia Tech or other collaborating research institutions. This is a 1-year position that is renewable, contingent on performance and speed in conducting project tasks from project start to the refereed journal article publishing.