Post Doctoral Fellow - ANRD Plant & Soil Sciences L4

The Division of Plant and Soil Sciences at the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design in Morgantown, WV is seeking applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellow. This is a regular 9-month non tenure-track, benefits-eligible position.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will isolate natural pathogens of elongate hemlock scale (EHS) in Christmas tree nurseries, evaluate the efficacy of isolated pathogens and optimize their application to maximize biocontrol. Ultimately, this work will assess factors that contribute to EHS damage in Christmas tree nurseries and develop a biopesticide for integrated pest management of this insect pest.

Responsibilities are functional in nature and performed under limited supervision. Specific tasks include but are not limited to:

• Travel to the field to collect EHS and sample for fungal pathogens.
• Collection of data and management and analysis of data for research reports/papers.
• Collaborate with other faculty (@ WVU and elsewhere) with regard to the project and findings.
• Create and maintain existing project databases for data analysis.
• Attend bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly meetings as needed with project partners.
• Attend research conferences associated with proposed research.
• Identify and assist with acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources.
• Assist with development of research proposals for sponsor submission.
• Develop proposals, papers, and abstracts to attract research funds.
• Perform laboratory and field experiment activities according to protocol.
• Conduct independent experimental data analysis.
• Oversee research facilities and personnel. Assure compliance with research protocols and safety requirements, oversee and direct undergraduate and graduates in the completion of experiments, maintain lab equipment, maintain accurate inventory of lab assets and monitor and assure proper use and conditions of lab equipment.
• Write and present research/study status reports for review and use of the Principal Investigator.
• Prepare results of projects for presentation to colleagues and the sponsor at professional/technical conferences and/or for publication in scientific journals per PI.

Qualifications :

• PhD from an accredited University in Environmental Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Mycology, Forest Resources Management, Natural Resources Management or related field is required at the time of appointment.
• Experience in conducting field experiments to isolate entomopathogenic fungi.
• Experience conducting molecular work to support identification of fungi.
• Experience with APHIS and other state and federal agency permitting processes.
• Experience in mentoring, working as part of a diverse interdisciplinary team.
• Experience in developing and authoring peer-reviewed manuscripts for high-index journals in a timely manner.
• Ability to lead and direct work of students.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use standard lab equipment related to forestry and entomological research.
• Ability to travel to field sites and carry in and set up required analysis equipment.
• Relevant previous research experience.

License/Certifications

• Valid Driver's License required to travel to field sites, etc.

Physical Demands and Physical Coordination

• Standard field work, lab and office environment.
• Could require work in outside temperatures and environment.
• Could require standing, stooping, walking, etc. for field work.

Meeting the needs of today's professional couples is a critical factor in WVU's success in recruiting and retaining new faculty and senior staff. Our Dual Career Program assists couples in your employment search. WVU belongs to the OH/Western PA/WV Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC). Please visit dualcareer.wvu.edu and ohwpawvherc.org for more information and job postings.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer, and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.