Research Scholar - Entomology And Plant Pathology

The Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory mission is to provide federal confirmatory diagnostics for regulatory plant pests/pathogens; develop and validate advanced molecular and serological detection methods, and proficiency test (PT) panels for plant pests that threaten U.S. agriculture; evaluate applicability of new, state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies in support of the agency efforts.

As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a diverse portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension components. Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science, but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies.

Essential Job Duties

Project Title: Development of Universal Proficiency Testing Kit for Flexible Methods-based Laboratory Certification.

Overview:

The Research Scholar will collaborate closely with a Senior Scientist to advance the development of nucleic acid templates, PCR primers, and probes for real-time and conventional PCR assays. The primary objective is to create a universal PT kit comprising randomized samples, controls, primers, probes, and essential reagents. This kit will facilitate the evaluation of technical competency among diagnosticians. Additionally, the role involves overseeing the scaling up of production, conducting quality control tests, and drafting technical documents and SOPs. The incumbent will also coordinate a ring test with select laboratories and analyze data to support kit implementation. Duties may extend to maintaining plant and fungal/bacterial cultures, conducting laboratory maintenance tasks, and managing experimental data.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assay Development: Select nucleic acid templates, design PCR primers and probes, and develop real-time and conventional PCR assays under the guidance of the Senior Scientist.

• Performance Evaluation: Assess the major performance characteristics of developed assays across various matrices and evaluate template and reagent stability.

• Kit Development: Lead efforts in scaling up production of the universal PT kit, conduct quality control tests on all components, and develop technical documents and SOPs for production and participant use.

• Ring Test Coordination: Organize and execute a ring test involving a limited number of laboratories, and analyze resulting data to support the implementation of the PT kit.

• Laboratory Operations: Maintain plant and fungal/bacterial cultures, prepare culture media and buffers, and perform general laboratory maintenance tasks as assigned.

• Data Management: Record experimental data in official laboratory notebooks, enter and maintain data in computer programs, and generate comprehensive reports.

• Project Management: Manage assigned projects, track budget expenditures, and ensure adherence to the APHIS PPQ S&T PPCDL Quality Management System.

• Work Instructions: Develop work instructions for the utilization of diagnostic platforms by field personnel, ensuring effective implementation.

• Supervision and Training: Oversee day-to-day activities of research assistants or laboratory technicians, and provide training to laboratory personnel as needed.

This position is based at the APHIS-PPQ-S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. All hired incumbents must be a U.S. citizen or have permament residency.

Other Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or other related fields.

• Documented experience in

• Molecular biology of microorganisms

• Sequence analysis

• Genomic or plant DNA/RNA extraction

• Conventional and real-time PCR and RT-PCR analysis

• Gel electrophoresis.

Other Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of reference material/reagent production and QC testing, and methods validation processes

• Customer-oriented mindset.

• Attention to detail

• Knowledge of GLP and QMS, SOP instructions

• Excellent technical skills.

• Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office

• Good written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with development and execution of conventional PCR, real-time PCR, DNA sequence analysis, plant pathogen biology and/or diagnostics of pathogens (fungi, bacteria, virus or nematodes).

• Experience with diagnostic platform adaptation or evaluation and experience with laboratory procedures of applicable molecular biology and techniques as well as experience with experimental design.

• Experience with reference material development, validation and production.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No