Plant Biologist

The applicant will work directly with research scientists with fungal pathogen or nematode experience to support the extent of projects for the fiscal year. This position will mainly support the screening of biocontrols on crop residues from several crops, including wheat and corn, but working with soybean and other model pathosystems might be required. Applicants will be responsible of maintaining experiments within growth chambers, incubators, and greenhouses, as well as cleaning and maintenance of these areas. Work will focus on planting, plant care, chemical applications, disease inoculations, rating of plant diseases, and data collection. In addition, the applicant will be responsible of maintaining cultures of obligate pathogen on associated hosts for various assays or groups.

Qualifications:

• Education - requires a bachelor's degree in plant pathology, botany, horticulture, genetics, agronomy, chemistry, plant science, microbiology, biology, or a related scientific discipline.

• Experience - 0 to 3 years of paid or unpaid experience in one or more of the scientific disciplines described above. Applicant must have experience with common computer software (e.g. - MS Office suite).

• Additional but not required - Coursework in one or more of the disciplines described above. Specialized experience in plant pathology, microbiology, or mycology, chemical handling and spraying, and data analysis software. Experience working with plants, landscaping, or nursery. Hard or technical laboratory skills, such as familiarity using lab equipment (e.g. - fume, laminar flow or biosafety hoods, pipette, microscope, hemacytometer, etc.) and aseptic techniques.

Additional Information:

• Must be comfortable wearing N95 respirators

• Must be able to lift or move relatively heavy items

• Field work may also be required