Position Details Position Information Requisition Number S3997P Home Org Name Entomology and Plant Pathology Division Name College of Agriculture Position Title Research Fellow Job Class Code HA03A/B/C/D Appointment Status Full-time Part-time FTE Limited Term Yes Limited Term Length 3 years; continuation contingent upon funding and performance in the position Job Summary The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University is seeking a highly motivated individual to assist with and conduct original research including planning, maintaining, and completing research projects involved in generation of new knowledge and concepts. The candidate will provide professional research assistance in basic and translational aspects of plant-associated nematology. The candidate will integrate the knowledge of basics of plant biology, nematology, soil chemistry, microbiology, and plant pathology, thus, ability to work on interdisciplinary projects is a plus. The successful candidate will join a team (faculty PI, graduate students and undergraduate students) that contributes to multiple projects on plant-associated nematodes. Applicant must be able to work both independently and with others within a research team and have excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills. The candidate will assist in or initiate project proposals to coordinate funding. This is a three-year limited term position with the possibility of annual extensions depending on performance and funding. The University: Classified as a Carnegie R1 university, Auburn University is a public flagship land-grant institution with a student enrollment of more than 30,000. The University provides instruction in approximately 70 academic departments and performs graduate research and public service across a variety of program areas. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama, near the metropolitan areas of Birmingham, AL, and Atlanta, GA, as well as within 4 hours of scenic escapes like the southern Appalachians and the Gulf of Mexico. The Department: The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is administered by the University's historic College of Agriculture. It houses over 20 faculty, 5 support staff, and more than 50 graduate students, all of whom work towards executing the University's research, instruction, and extension missions. Additional information can be found at Essential Functions Essential functions:
- Maintain biological sources (bacterial, fungal, and nematode cultures) for laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials.
- Conduct nematode extraction techniques including Baermann Funnel, gravity sieving, and sucrose centrifugation. Identify and enumerate plant parasitic nematodes.
- Develop and optimize molecular assays (PCR, real-time PCR, recombinase polymerase assay, droplet digital PCR) to detect and quantify plant-parasitic nematodes.
- Sequenced and analyzed genome and transcriptome of nematodes.
- Maintain projects, coordinate funding, and / manage ordering, and budgets.
- Develop and assist in the development of project proposals, research outlines, plans and protocols.
- Design and/conduct experiments and studies in pursuit of new knowledge, techniques, and concepts.
- Assist with logistics of research to include equipment, materials, and labor needs.
- Write and compile the data and assisting with manuscript preparations.
- Assist other team members in their greenhouse/growth chamber experiments, or field sampling.
- Serve as supervisor to students in area of expertise.
- Provide consulting to third party organizations related to research activities.
- Assisting other team members in their greenhouse/growth chamber experiments, or field sampling. Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Level I: PhD from an accredited institution in Nematology, Plant Pathology, Biology, or related natural sciences field; no experience required. Level II: PhD from an accredited institution in Nematology, Plant Pathology, Biology, or related natural sciences field and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position. Level III: PhD from an accredited institution in Nematology, Plant Pathology, Biology, or related natural sciences field and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position. Level IV: PhD from an accredited institution in Nematology, Plant Pathology, Biology, or related natural sciences field and 6 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position. Indicated education is required; no substitutions allowed. Substitutions Allowed for Experience: When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience. Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications Minimum Skills and Abilities Applicant must be able to work both independently and with others within a research team and have excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills. Experience with general molecular lab techniques, plant pathology experiments, publication of research results, and writing grant proposals. Must be able to work collegially with others on large, multidisciplinary research projects. Minimum Technology Skills Minimum License and Certifications A valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to employment. Desired Qualifications Desired Qualifications Posting Detail Information Salary Range $42,700 - $108,500 Job Category Agricultural/Veterinary Medicine Working Hours if Non-Traditional City position is located in: Auburn State position is located: Alabama List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position Posting Date 10/07/2024 Closing Date EEO Statement AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more. Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link for Internal Postings