Postdoctoral Associate - Microbiome Scientist

Job Description

Virginia Tech's Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center is recruiting a full-time postdoctoral associate to join an award-winning Boxwood Blight Insight Group, consisting of 14 Project Directors (PDs), a team of postdoctoral associates and graduate students, and an Advisory Panel (AP) of industry leaders, as well as many domestic and international collaborators. This team is developing a systems approach to boxwood crop health and production. Boxwood is the No. 1 evergreen shrub crop in the U.S., and an iconic plant in American landscapes, including many historic gardens.

The major research focus of this position could be one of the followings: 1) to expand the ongoing studies on boxwood microbiota of different species/cultivars, plant parts and ages, as well as their associations with cultural practices; 2) to investigate the metabolic potential and microbial function of identified core taxa , 3) elucidate their interactions with boxwood and the blight pathogen, or/and develop synthetic microbial community biosensors or devise new or modify existing cultural practices to manipulate them for maximal benefits including, but not limited to, antagonisms against the blight pathogen, boxwood growth promotion.

This position presents great opportunities for junior scientists to develop and advance professional career by honing their skills and connecting with peers and industry leaderships. Self-motivated scientists with a doctoral degree received no more than four years ago are encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD degree in plant science, microbiology, metagenomics or a closely related discipline awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of hire with one year of eligibility remaining.

• A basic understanding of crop production and landscaping systems

• Demonstrated skills and experience using Nanopore and other next generation sequencing technologies, and metagenomics software/tools

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of plant pathology

• Research experience with boxwood crops or plantings

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$53,350 - $65,029

Review Date

9/25/2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Please add PDF of two most recent publications relevant to the position.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Chuanxue Hong at chhong2@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.