USDA-ARS Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Mycology (Oomycota): Maryland

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Agency

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Location

Beltsville, Maryland

Job Category

Post Doctoral Appointments

Salary

TBD

Last Date to Apply

12/31/2021

Website

https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/USDA-ARS-2021-0253

Description

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis. ARS Office/Lab and Location: A postdoctoral research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Mycology & Nematology Genetic Diversity & Biology group in Beltsville, Maryland, approximately 16 miles outside Washington, D.C. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence. Research Project: A post-doctoral research opportunity is available to study the mycological collections of the U.S. National Fungus Collections in Beltsville, Maryland. Specifically, the goal of this research is to develop fundamental identification resources for the oomycetes that cause downy mildews (Peronosporaceae, Oomycota) from types, exsiccati and other exemplar specimens, with emphasis on the genus Peronospora. The research involves a combination of classical and molecular techniques, and the selected participant will take the lead on a new IDtools internet resource for Peronospora in partnership with the Identification Technology Program at USDA-APHIS. Learning Objectives: The opportunity is grant funded and part of a multi-investigator project aimed at defining the diversity of the organisms that cause downy mildews. Excellent resources are available to support this research, including outstanding in-house instrumentation for microscopy, imaging, and DNA sequencing (including Sanger and NGS platforms), and an extensive, global resource of more than one million herbarium specimens from the in-house U.S. National Fungus Collections. A preliminary framework is already in place for the study, allowing the post-doctoral fellow to make immediate progress towards the project goals. Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jo Anne Crouch ([email protected]). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2021. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors. Appointment Length: The appointment(s) will initially be for one year, but may be renewed an additional year upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds. Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time. Participant Stipend: The participant(s) will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The stipend for this opportunity is competitive and could support either a recent graduate or a senior-level post-doc, commensurate with experience. Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only. ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email [email protected] and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Preferred skills: - Strong background and training in mycological systematics (oomycetes or fungi) - Highly skilled in classical mycological research, including morphological assessments of mycological specimens through microscopy, taxonomy, typification, fungal nomenclature, and will be well-versed and experienced in molecular systematics - Ability to achieve project goals, work independently and in collaboration with a diverse team - Demonstrated ability to communicate findings in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific meetings Please note that because this opportunity is physically located at a U.S. Federal government facility, this opportunity is subject to applicable COVID-19 vaccination and masking requirements as well as a background check.

Contact Person

[email protected]

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