Molecular Plant Pathologist Position Available

(GS-12/13, salary range $76,721 to $118,603): The USDA-ARS Cereal Crops Research Unit located at the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, ND is seeking a full-time, permanent Research Plant Pathologist to conduct research on pathogens of wheat and barley. The goal of this position is to provide basic knowledge that will facilitate understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance and pathogenicity, and ultimately to use this knowledge to improve disease resistance in wheat and barley. Specific objectives include the investigation of the biology, genetics, and evolution of host-pathogen interactions of significant foliar and/or head diseases of wheat and barley. Significant diseases include the foliar disease complexes made up of septoria nodorum blotch, septoria tritici blotch, tan spot, and spot blotch of wheat and net form net blotch, spot form net blotch, and spot blotch of barley as well as head diseases including glume blotch of wheat and Fusarium head blight of both wheat and barley. The candidate will be expected to perform cutting edge research that provides fundamental and applied information about the biology, genetics, genomics and evolution of pathogens and their interactions with wheat and barley. Research will be done using modern and novel techniques in areas including molecular plant pathology, fungal genomics, population genetics/genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, and proteomics. Opportunity exists to mentor graduate students through an adjunct appointment with North Dakota State University.  The unit has excellent research facilities on the NDSU campus, and it is comprised of about fifty personnel (12 scientists) working to improve quality and disease resistance of small grains through research on genetics, genomics, pathology, and end-use quality.  Candidates must be U.S. citizens. The position will be open from September 3 – October 6, 2020. To review specific position requirements or to apply, go to the official vacancy announcement ARS-D20Y-10905799-FMM available at www.usajobs.gov  or click on the following direct link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/577925400. For specific questions regarding this vacancy, contact Justin D. Faris, Acting Research Leader, at 701-446-7398 or justin.faris@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity employer.