Research Scholar - DEPP
Job Description
Posting Number
PG193503EPInternal Recruitment
NoWorking Title
Research Scholar - DEPPAnticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with ExperienceWork Schedule
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (occasional longer work days or Saturday (in case of emergency))Job Location
Laurel, MarylandDepartment
Entomology and Plant PathologyAbout the Department
As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a diverse portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. 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. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 is accessible here https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan.
The USDA APHIS PPQ Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory partners with NCSU to support its mission to provide federal confirmatory diagnostics for regulatory plant pests/pathogens; develop, evaluate 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.
Essential Job Duties
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 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.
The Research Scholar will conduct independent and original research on advanced molecular diagnostics for plant pathogens of regulatory concern to American agriculture and landscapes (including fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes) under the general guidance of a Senior Scientist. The diagnostic technologies of interest may include, but are not limited to PCR-based tests (e.g. cPCR, RT-PCR, qPCR), isothermal assays (e.g. RPA, LAMP, CRISPR), serological assays, high throughput sequencing methods, DNA sequence and bioinformatic analysis, as well as the development of methods for sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction. The methods developed will be used by federal regulatory surveillance and eradication programs. The incumbent, under the guidance of staff scientists and team leaders, will receive input from stakeholders, review available literature, select appropriate technology, and develop work plans with detailed experimental parts.
The Reserach Scholar will be responsible for the following:
- Independently execute assigned projects; develop experimental plans, collect, analyze data, and prepare progress and validation reports on a specific schedule.
- Work on evaluating new technologies for the detection of plant pathogens and present recommendations of technology use to PPQ supported by research experimental data and thorough validation.
- Participate in training activities for technology transfer for laboratory personnel and diagnosticians from various laboratories across the United States.
- Present research findings at professional meetings and extend these findings to key appropriate technology.
- The incumbent may need to maintain plants in the greenhouse and/or fungal/bacterial cultures or other material inventories as assigned; collect and process tissue, prepare culture media and buffers; perform general laboratory maintenance tasks; operate and maintain specialized equipment such as thermocyclers, liquid handlers, etc., and participate in ad-hoc diagnostics activities.
The position is based at the APHIS-PPQ-S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. US citizenship or permanent residency is required.
Other Responsibilities
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Ph.D in Plant Pathology, Virology, Microbiology, molecular biology or other closely allied fields or a Master’s Degree in Plant Pathology with at least five (5) yearsof formal post-degree professional work experience.
In rare instances, an individual with a comparable professional experience but less than a master’s degree, plus 8 years of exceptional relevant professional experience. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Other Required Qualifications
- Documented experience with major molecular biology technologies such as conventional and real-time PCRs, isothermal amplification, nucleic acid extractions, results visualizations, and analysis for diagnosis of microorganisms.
Preferred Qualifications
- Academic background and research experience studying and characterizing microorganisms and pathogens, plant pathogen identification experience is a plus.
- Experience working within a fast-paced, hybrid work environment.
- Documented experience in plant pathology, computational biology/bioinformatics, and genomic plant DNA/RNA extraction.
- Experience in the development, optimization, and validation of molecular diagnostic assays including conventional PCR and/or real-time PCR, isothermal or serological diagnostic assays, high-throughput sequencing and DNA sequence analysis.
- Ability to conduct extensive sequence analysis and develop primers/probes and molecular assays. Attention to detail, good time management and record keeping, and excellent technical skills.
- Knowledge of good laboratory practices (GLP).
- Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently, working knowledge of Microsoft Office, good written and oral communication skills.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required
NoCommercial Driver's License required
NoJob Open Date
07/01/2024Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit a Cover Letter, CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
- The candidate must be able to pass a background check.
- The position is based at the Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostic Laboratory (PPCDL) in Laurel, MD. US citizenship or permanent residency is required.
Position Number
00110896Position Type
EHRA Non-FacultyFull Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00Appointment
12 Month RecurringMandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse WeatherMandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Medical EmergenciesDepartment ID
111801 - Entomology and Plant PathologyAA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
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