Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description

The Whitehead Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech (www.speciesinteractions.com) is hiring a post-doctoral research associate to study the chemical and agricultural ecology of plant-microbe interactions in apples. The successful applicant will collaborate on USDA and FFAR-funded research that examines how agricultural practices in apple orchards impact the fruit microbiome and the downstream consequences for fruit chemistry/quality, cider fermentation, and human health. The post-doc will be based in the Whitehead Lab and collaborate with multiple other research groups with diverse expertise, including Amanda Stewart (VT Food Science and Technology), Jacob Lahne (VT Food Science and Technology), Rob Knight (UC San Diego), Samir Droby (The Volcani Center, Israel), and Shiri Freilich (The Volcani Center, Israel). The post-doc will mentor students and lead diverse research activities in both the field and lab, including orchard surveys across the eastern US, experiments in our new research orchard, culture-dependent and culture-independent characterization of microbial communities, and phytochemical analyses of fruits and cider. The exact start date is negotiable between Nov 2020 and Feb 2021. With the application, please include a CV, a brief cover letter that includes a statement of interest and what you could contribute to the project, and a list of three references with contact info. Questions should be directed to swhitehead@vt.edu. Review of applications will begin Oct. 1 and continue until the position is filled.

Required Qualifications

-PhD in ecology, plant science, microbiology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

-Strong writing skills and evidence of ability to carry projects through to publication
-Experience with DNA extractions, PCR, amplicon sequencing, and bioinformatics pipelines
-Experience with culture-based microbial community analysis, maintaining culture collections, and conducting laboratory bioassays
-Experience designing and carrying out field experiments
-Background in analytical chemistry techniques such as HPLC
-Bioinformatic and statistical skill-set including programming/data analysis in R
-Experience with supervision/mentorship of student researchers
-Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in science
-Strong organization skills and experience managing project logistics such as travel, scheduling project personnel, maintaining equipment, and ordering/organizing supplies

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$45,000 - $48,000

Review Date

October 1, 2020

Additional Information

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

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 veteran 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 Dreama Price at dreama@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 17, 2020
Applications close: