Job Postings of Interest to the Maize Community

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Post-doc in Evolutionary Genetics

Location: Davis, CA, USA

Degree Required: Doctorate

Area of Study: Evolutionary Genetics & Genomics

Responsibilities: Postdoc in the genomic basis of heterosis at University of California, Davis

A postdoctoral position in plant evolutionary genomics is available in the Ross-Ibarra lab at the University of California, Davis. Current funding is for one year, but opportunities for extending the position beyond one year are likely. The start date is flexible, but the position is available to start immediately.

The funded project will investigate the genetic basis of heterosis in maize using full-genome sequence of 12 inbred lines in conjunction with phenotypic data from a diallel cross of the same lines. Data for the project is already being generated; the applicant would be responsible for analysis of the genome sequence data to investigate the genetic basis of heterosis for phenotypic traits.

Applicants should have a PhD in evolution, genetics, genomics, computational biology, or a similar discipline. Demonstrated experience with high-density SNP data or next-generation sequence data and familiarity with a unix environment and at least one programming/scripting language is strongly desired. Salary will be competitive and dependent on background and experience.

Applicants should send a cover letter, a CV with publications, and contact information for three references. Applications or queries should be directed to rossibarra@ucdavis.edu .

More information on the lab can be found at www.rilab.org and on UC Davis at www.ucdavis.edu.

Contact Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra at rossibarra@ucdavis.edu for more information.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Maize Histological Genetics

Location: Newark, DE, USA

Degree Required: Doctorate

Apply by: October 31, 2011

Co-advisors: Dr. Randall J. Wisser and Dr. Kirk Czymmek; University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
-R. J. Wisser Laboratory of Quantitative Genetics & Plant Breeding, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
-K. Czymmek Laboratory of Fungal Biology & Plant Pathology, Department of Biological Sciences

Overview: An opening is now available for a postdoctoral scholar to direct advanced histological analysis of fungal pathogenesis on maize plants. The scholar will couple histology with contemporary imaging tools and statistical analyses to contextualize the genetic basis of plant quantitative defense in terms of its effect on pathogenesis. More specifically, the scholar will lead the characterization of Cochliobolus heterostrophus and Setosphaeria turcica pathogenesis on maize in a spatiotemporal context and develop semi-automated micro-imaging assay pipelines to dissect stages of pathogenesis affected by host resistance QTL.

This is an opportunity for an aspiring scholar to take part in an NSF-funded multi-institutional investigation addressing key hypotheses regarding the mechanistic basis of genetic variation in plant quantitative disease resistance; project title: GENETIC AND HISTOLOGICAL DISSECTION OF PHENOTYPIC VARIATION IN RESISTANCE TO MAIZE DISEASES. As a member of a large inter-disciplinary project team, the scholar will be exposed to multiple fields of study including breeding, pathology, genetics, statistics, histology and molecular biology. The scholar will coordinate interactions between participating institutions (Cornell University, North Carolina State University, Iowa State University and USDA-ARS) to gain experience in collaborative and integrative science.

Qualifications: A highly skilled and motivated individual with a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Genetics or a related field of study; experience in histology using confocal and/or fluorescence microscopy of plants is preferred.

For further details contact Dr. Randall Wisser at rjw@udel.edu. To apply for the position provide a statement of interest, CV, and contact information for three references.

PostDoctoral Scholar - Maize Molecular Genetics

P. Balint-Kurti Laboratory of Maize Disease Resistance Genetics , USDA-ARS at NCSU, Raleigh, NC, USA

Location: Raleigh, NC, USA

Degree Required: Doctorate

Area of Study: Plant Molecular Biology

Apply by: October 31, 2011

Overview: An opening is now available for a postdoctoral scholar to work on molecular genetics of maize disease resistance.

This is an opportunity for an aspiring scholar to take part in an NSF-funded multi-institutional investigation addressing key hypotheses regarding the mechanistic basis of genetic variation in plant quantitative disease resistance; project title: GENETIC AND HISTOLOGICAL DISSECTION OF PHENOTYPIC VARIATION IN RESISTANCE TO MAIZE DISEASES. As a member of a large inter-disciplinary project team, the scholar will be exposed to multiple fields of study including breeding, pathology, genetics, statistics, histology and molecular biology. The scholar will coordinate interactions between participating institutions (Cornell University, North Carolina State University, Iowa State University and USDA-ARS) to gain experience in collaborative and integrative science.

Qualifications: A highly skilled and motivated individual with a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Genetics, Plant Molecular Biology or a related field of study.

For further details contact Dr. Peter Balint-Kurti at peter_balintkurti@ncsu.edu. To apply for the position provide a statement of interest, CV, and contact information for three references.

PhD in Plant Genetics & Bioinformatics

R. J. Wisser Laboratory of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA

Seeking a student to begin by spring semester, February 2012

Location: Newark, DE, USA

Degree Required: Bachelors

Apply by: December 15, 2011

Overview: An opening is now available for a Ph.D. seeking student interested in studying genome sequence variation and quantitative and population genetics in maize.

The Ph.D. candidate will be involved in an NSF-funded multi-institutional investigation addressing key hypotheses regarding the mechanistic basis of genetic variation in plant quantitative disease resistance; project title: GENETIC AND HISTOLOGICAL DISSECTION OF PHENOTYPIC VARIATION IN RESISTANCE TO MAIZE DISEASES. The student will develop their thesis topic based on the following project activities: resequencing of 300 diverse maize inbred lines, characterization of sequence variation across disease-associated loci and genes, and collaborative application of high-resolution association mapping. As a member of a large inter-disciplinary project team, the student will be exposed to multiple fields of study including breeding, pathology, genetics, statistics, histology, and molecular biology. The student will have educational opportunities to attend outside workshops in quantitative and population genetics or bioinformatics as a supplement to UD coursework and present at professional conferences and travel to co-investigating laboratories to build a network with other students and co-investigators. Opportunities are available at UD to attain professional certification in bioinformatics or statistics while pursuing a Ph.D.

Qualifications: Prior research experience in genetics, statistics, bioinformatics, and/or related fields of study is required. Candidates with an M.S. degree in a related field are highly encouraged to apply.

For further details contact Dr. Randall Wisser at rjw@udel.edu. To apply for the position provide a statement of interest, CV, and contact information for three references.

PhD in Plant Pathology and Genetics

R. J. Nelson Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

Seeking a student to begin by spring semester, February 2012

Location: Ithaca, NY, USA

Degree Required: Bachelors

Apply by: December 15, 2011

Overview: An opening is now available for a Ph.D. seeking student interested in studying pathology and quantitative genetics in maize.

The Ph.D. candidate will be involved in an NSF-funded multi-institutional investigation addressing key hypotheses regarding the mechanistic basis of genetic variation in plant quantitative disease resistance; project title: GENETIC AND HISTOLOGICAL DISSECTION OF PHENOTYPIC VARIATION IN RESISTANCE TO MAIZE DISEASES. The student will develop their thesis topic surrounding project activities related to understanding mechanisms of plant defense using a well developed model pathosystem. As a member of a large inter-disciplinary project team, the student will be exposed to multiple fields of study including breeding, pathology, genetics, statistics, histology, and molecular biology. The student will have educational opportunities to attend outside workshops as a supplement to CU coursework and present at professional conferences and travel to co-investigating laboratories to build a network with other students and co-investigators.

Qualifications: Prior research experience in pathology, genetics, biology and/or related fields of study is required. Candidates with an M.S. degree in a related field are highly encouraged to apply.

For further details contact Dr. Rebecca Nelson at rjn7@cornell.edu. To apply for the position provide a statement of interest, CV, and contact information for three references.

Postdoctoral Scholar

Location: Lincoln, NE, USA

Degree Required: Doctorate

Area of Study: Plant Stress Biology

Apply by: October 31, 2011

Responsibilities: A postdoctoral position is available in the Walia Lab at University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study abiotic stress tolerance (drought and flooding) in cereals crops. Current work focuses on genomic, physiological and biochemical characterization of genes involved in abiotic stress tolerance. The candidate will use genomics approaches (microarrays, RNA-seq etc.) in combination with automated high-throughput phenotyping data to identify candidate genes regulating stress tolerance. Additional opportunities may also be available depending on individual’s research interests. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, or Plant Genetics, or a closely related field at the time hiring. The candidate must be willing to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment. Prior experience with gene expression analysis (RNA-seq, microarrays or real-time PCR), cloning, vector construction, ChIP, transgenic and mutant analysis is highly desirable.!

Preference will be given to candidates with evidence of publications and strong interest in crop improvement using genetic and functional genomics approaches. Ability to manage large-scale sequencing data is highly desirable. Initial appointment will be for one year and is renewable for up to 3 years. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested candidate should apply by email to Dr. Harkamal Walia. The email should include the following: (1) cover letter explaining the research interests, (2) CV, (3) publications or in press articles, and (4) contact information including phone numbers for at least 3 references.

Contact Harkamal Walia at hwalia2@unl.edu for more information.

1x PhD and 1x Postdoc in Plant Breeding

Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Degree Required: Masters

Area of Study: (Bio-)Statistics, Mathematics, Bioinformatics

Responsibilities: The chair of plant breeding at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen invites applications for a PhD and a postdoc position within the consortium Synbreed (www.synbreed.tum.de). Research interests are focused on the prediction of gene effects on the phenotype based on high-dimensional data. Genomic prediction poses statistical and computational challenges because of the large number of predictors and strong colinearity between them.

The successful candidates will develop, implement and apply new statistical methods for the genomic prediction of genetic values in simulated and experimental data. Particular emphasis will be given to mixed models and Bayesian approaches.

Other requirements include: We search for candidates with:

• A strong background in mathematics and statistical modeling
• Preferably a master's degree and/or PhD in (bio-) statistics, mathematics or bioinformatics
• Strong interest in the application of statistical models in the life sciences
• Advanced knowledge in statistical software, including programming with R
• Interest in the analysis of huge data sets
• Strong communication skills (also in English)

We offer:

• Cooperation in an active and interdisciplinary research group at TUM with biologists, plant and animal breeders, and statisticians
• Opportunity to participate in an international project with many partners from academia and industry in a highly dynamic field
• Further education possibilities in genetics and plant breeding in courses and summer schools
• Opportunity for teaching
• Participation at the structured graduate program for doctoral candidates at TUM-GS.

The Technische Universitaet Muenchen pursues the strategic goal of substantially increasing the proportion of women in research and education and thus expressly invites qualified female scientists to apply for this position.

Applications with the usual supporting information (CV, certificates, credentials, references and a letter of interest) should be submitted to chris.schoen@wzw.tum.de
or the following postal address: Technische Universitaet Muenchen
Chair of Plant Breeding
Prof. Dr. Chris-Carolin Schoen
Emil-Ramann-Str. 4
D-85354 Freising
Germany

Contact Porf. Dr. Chris-Carolin Schoen at chris.schoen@wzw.tum.de for more information.

iPlant Genotype to Phenotype Scientific Analyst

Location:Tucson, Arizona, USA

Degree Required: Masters

Area of Study: Life Sciences

Responsibilities:

The iPlant Collaborative is a cyberinfrastructure collaborative, working to address grand challenges identified by the plant sciences community. The iPlant Collaborative seeks to develop a comprehensive national cyberinfrastructure which will unite researchers in every plant biology discipline--from those working at the microscopic level, such as molecular biologists, cellular biologists and geneticists, to those working on the ecosystem and planetary level. iPlant works in partnership with computer scientists and engineers, information scientists, mathematicians and social scientists, in order to facilitate communication and collaboration across all of these disciplines to address questions of global importance and advance all of these fields.

The iPlant Genotype to Phenotype (iPG2P) project (http://ipg2p.iplantcollaborative.org) is seeking an engagement team analyst (ETA). The ETA serves as a liaison between scientific working groups, the iPlant software development team and iPlant leadership. This involves active discussion with the scientists, research into appropriate bioinformatics tools and supporting technologies, and the judicious application of technical judgment to convert working group conversation into practical design requirements.

The primary responsibilities of the iPG2P Engagement Team Analyst include:

• Translation of working group discussions into formal software requirements
• Attending working group meetings and leading technical discussions
• Working with scientific collaborators to identify needs, articulate priorities, and develop workflows and narratives
• Tool research and evaluation, prototype software development and testing
• Managing and reporting on project requirements, progress, and deliverables
• Performing related duties as assigned by the iPG2P Scientific Lead and Project Manager
• Being proactive in identifying opportunities and potential problems
• Coordinating development across projects, facilitating integration and cross-communication

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree (MS or Ph.D) in a life science discipline (biology, genetics, biochemistry, etc.). Candidates with a degree in another natural science, computer science, information technology or a related discipline will also be considered with a demonstrated track record of research experience in the life sciences;
• 2-3 years work experience conducting computational biology research and/or collaborative scientific software development (academic, government, or industry);
• Interest in science and technology and ability to rapidly adapt to new technologies;
• Excellent oral presentation and communications skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build consensus
• Advanced ability to work independently under established deadlines and as part of a team
• Ability to travel as required to partner/collaborator institutions, relevant conferences, etc.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A research background in genomics, genetics, physiology, or molecular biochemistry
• Experience in projects involving advanced computing and information technologies used in life science research in academia, government laboratories, and/or industry
• Competence in at least two of the following: Perl, Python, C, C++, R, UNIX Shell, Java
• Proven ability to promote and support the use of high-performance computing, visualization, networking, and massive data storage systems to scientists to expand their research impact.

Research Director (14370BR)

Location: Singapore

Degree Required: Doctorate

Area of Study: Plant or Biological Science

Responsibilities:

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is currently seeking a Research Director in Singapore. The Director will provide scientific and administrative leadership to Pioneer's Maize Product Development Programs in Asia Pacific (ex China). Establish aggressive project and product development goals to ensure that the company is competitively positioned in key markets of the region. Work closely with Asia Pacific regional and country business leadership to ensure that product development efforts are aligned well with business strategies and long term growth plans. Represent other crop product development programs as well on the Asia Pacific regional leadership team and ensure effective and adequately resourced product development programs are established supporting all target crops and markets in the region.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides scientific leadership related to breeding and germplasm deployment strategies.
• Develop short and long term strategies for Maize Product Development that are fully aligned with the AP business needs and Pioneer.
• Establish networks to effectively leverage and deploy Pioneer’s global germplasm, traits, breeding systems and processes.
• Incorporate newly emerging technologies into research projects.
• Serve as a member of ACEA MPD Leadership Team.
• Work closely with Asia Pacific regional and country business leadership to ensure that product development efforts are aligned with business strategies and long term growth plans.
• Participation and contribute in developing regional business growth strategies and plans.
• Represent all crops at the AP Regional Leadership Team.
• Ensure product development goals and appropriate strategies are developed to competitively position Pioneer in various market segments of the region while working closely with other crop (non-maize) directors.
• Work closely with other crop research directors to understand, develop and implement strategies.
• Establish an effective and optimized product characterization network to support multiple crops.
• Ensure that projects are adequately funded and staffed.
• Develops and administers capital and operating budgets to support strategic plan.
• Provide leadership in building the needed local capacity-people, facilities, infrastructure and technologies to support these researchers.
• Recruit, hire and develop research talent to lead product development efforts and programs at various research centers in the region.
• Ensure compliance to the DuPont/Pioneer’s corporate policies, core values and local govt. policies and regulations, and protection of company’s assets and property.
• Keep all employees abreast about corporate policies and programs and expectations thereof.
• Ensure all relevant safety programs are implemented with the goal of ZERO incidents.
• Provide management leadership to include legal, intellectual property protection, government regulations, import export policies etc.
• Represent CGR&D at various scientific forums - internal as well external.
• Stays current on new technologies impacting product development.
• May contribute to scientific publications, conferences and PVP/patent applications.
• Provide leadership in building the needed local capacity-people, facilities, infrastructure and technologies to support these researchers.

Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in plant or biological science and 6+ years of experience in research management and plant breeding required. Position requires experience in breeding maize germplasm and advanced genetic methods and experience in managing external relationships and collaborations. Other qualifications include: Communication, interpersonal, and management skills; Knowledge of new technologies and their applications in crop improvement; and Supervision/management, communication and interpersonal skills.

Apply online at www.pioneer.com/careers. Submit to job 14370BR. EOE

Contact Tracy Lillie at tracy@ecreativegroup.com for more information.

Database Curator and Working Group Manager

Location:Washington, DC

Degree Required: Bachelors

Area of Study: biotech, nutrition, agriculture, database management, library science or other relevant field

Responsibilities:

ILSI’s International Food Biotechnology Committee (IFBiC) seeks a Database Curator for the Crop Composition Database (www.cropcomposition.org). The database provides information on the natural variability in composition of conventional crops and provides a reference for comparing the composition of new crop varieties, including those developed through biotechnology. Information in the database is provided by member companies or other groups conducting research on crop composition.

The curator coordinates the efforts of the data provider group and maintains all database records. The ideal candidate will also manage the activities of IFBiC’s Sampling and Detection Working Group, which organizes workshops internationally on Sampling and Detection Methods for biotechnology crops.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Control access to the secure database system and maintain confidentiality of data and documentation.
• Maintain copies of all records related to the database.
• Receive and validate new data submissions.
• Provide support for data submitters and end users.
• Actively monitor database.
• Assist ILSI Global Branches and other organizations supported by the IFBiC Sampling & Detection Working Group in planning and management of workshops and symposia on Sampling & Detection Methods for biotechnology crops.

• Basic knowledge of science preferred.
• Biotech knowledge/Good Laboratory Practice experience desirable.

Individuals interested in applying for this position should apply to info@ilsi.org. ILSI is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V. To learn more about ILSI IFBiC go to www.ILSI.org and click on “International Committees.â€

Contact Marianna Knight at info@ilsi.org for more information.

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Last updated 2:08 pm, Nov 21, 2011.