Employment Opportunities

Please send job postings and updates to the Web Editor Dr. Churamani Khanal (ckhanal@clemson.edu)

Post-doctoral position at UC Riverside

The Department of Botany and Plant Sciences at the University of California, Riverside, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position to conduct research under the supervision of Dr. Philippe Rolshausen. The purpose of this position is to screen citrus hybrid rootstocks and assess resistance levels against Phytophthora and nematodes.

The selected candidate will be based at the University of California in Riverside and will work in close collaboration with the University of Florida and the USDA-ARS. The selected candidate will travel to Florida to evaluate under field conditions the resistance levels of rootstocks from the USDA germplasm collection against endemic soilborne pathogens populations using molecular detection tools. Pathogens of interest include the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans and the sting nematode Belonolaimus longicaudatus as well as Phytophthora palmivora and P. nicotaniae. In addition, the selected candidate will evaluate under greenhouse conditions at UC Riverside the performance of a selection of rootstock seedlings against Tylenchulus semipenetrans, Phytophthora citrophthora and P. nicotianae using established bioassays and molecular detection tools. The selected candidate will be responsible for leading the research project, writing reports and publications and mentoring students.

Required qualifications for this position include a Ph.D. degree in the field of Plant Pathology, Nematology, or related disciplines. Experience working with Phytophthora and/or nematodes is required, with training in molecular biology techniques (nucleic acid extraction, qPCR). Experience working with citrus or other woody perennial tree crops would be considered an asset but is not required. Applicants must be able to work under hot greenhouse and field conditions. Applicants must demonstrate good communication skills with a solid publication record in peer-reviewed journals and scientific presentations.

UCR is a world-class research University with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy: As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is eight weeks after their first date of employment.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae including a publication list and the names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will start on March 1^st, 2022 and will proceed until position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications by the above date to Dr. Rolshausen philrols@ucr.edu.

Ph.D. Position in Biopesticide Development at University of Idaho 

Department of Soil and Water Systems at the University of Idaho is looking for a Ph.D. student to join our program at the University of Idaho (Moscow, ID, USA) to work on the development of biopesticides. This cross-collaborative highly interdisciplinary project is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

The successful candidate is expected to hold a B.S. or M.S. degree related to the proposed topics of this study, preferably in natural products, agricultural/biological engineering, biochemistry, or analytical chemistry.

Expected start date is August 2022 or early.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A full application to the Graduate School(https://www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate) at the University of Idaho will be required for an official offer to be made.

To apply, please send 1) a cover letter stating your interest, experience and knowledge of sustainable agriculture, natural compounds chemistry, and extraction process; 2) resume/CV; 3) unofficial transcripts; 4) contact information of two professional references by email as single PDF file to Dr. Inna Popova (ipopova@uidaho.edu).

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For applicants who attended school outside of the U.S., an English language proficiency test is required. For more information related to international student hiring, see website https://www.uidaho.edu/admissions/international.

Ph.D. Position at Michigan State University

Developing Integrated Management Practices and Evaluating Impacts of the Hop Cyst Nematode, Heterodera humuli, an Aggressive Pest of Hop (Humulus lupulus) 

Location: Applied Nematology Laboratory, Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, Michigan

Contact: Marisol Quintanilla, Ph.D., Email: marisol@msu.edu, Office phone: 517-884-2058, Cell phone: 517-881-3740 

Background: The Hop Cyst Nematode (HCN), Heterodera humuli, is a threat to United States hop production, which is currently the top producer of hops worldwide. Prior studies have found that the hop cyst nematode causes severe plant stress, nutritional deficiencies, and mechanical injury leaving the plant susceptible to secondary infections. Our team’s recent preliminary findings indicate that the hop cyst nematode is becoming or has become widespread throughout the nation’s top-producing regions and is posing a risk to yield. Currently, there are no known effective forms of management for hop growers with hop cyst nematode, so positive samples leave growers with limited options. The key for preventing this aggressive pest of hop production from hindering yield and corresponding economic loss is to determine distribution within key regions, develop effective avoidance/mitigation strategies, and ensure that this information is widely- and easily- accessible to American hop growers. A combination of greenhouse and field investigations, chemical and biologically based nematicides, as well as other alternative strategies, will be evaluated for their effects on hop cyst nematode populations, soil health, and crop yield. The successful applicant will be required to submit an application the Graduate School and be accepted into our graduate program. 

Requirements: We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student with a strong interest in investigating plant-parasitic nematode interactions in perennial systems. Applicants should possess a Master’s of Science in Nematology, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, or a related discipline. Applicant should have demonstrable skills in several of the following areas: 

• Experimental field research and design (e.g. pest management, production agriculture)
• Plant-parasitic and beneficial nematode identification
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Powerpoint
• Data analysis (e.g. SAS, R)
• Scientific reporting to agro-industry and/or peer-reviewed publications in English
• Communicating scientific data with an audience 

Candidates must be capable of carrying 40 pounds, possess a valid driver’s license, and be comfortable driving truck to and from field sites and greenhouses (i.e. Ford F-150, F-350). Candidates should also be comfortable using an inverted microscope for several hours. A background in basic molecular work (e.g. conventional PCR) is encouraged, but not required. 

The candidate is expected to work closely with Michigan State University Extension and grower-collaborators. This position will be located in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University. GRE scores are not required. International students are required to fulfill MSU’s English language requirements (https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/international/language-requirements). 

Salary and Conditions: The assistantship includes a competitive stipend, tuition waiver, and health coverage. Start date: Summer semester 2022. The planned duration of this project is three years. Michigan State University is an equal opportunity employer. 

Applications: For further information and/or to apply, please send a cover letter, a short summary of research interests, a current C.V., transcripts, and a writing sample to Marisol Quintanilla at marisol@msu.edu.  Applications will be accepted until February 1, 2022. The successful applicant will also be required to apply to Michigan State University’s Graduate School.

Assistant Professor of Agricultural Nematology at University of California, Davis

As part of UC Davis’ commitment to hire leading research faculty with an outstanding commitment to teaching, research and service that will promote the success of historically underrepresented and marginalized student communities and address the needs of our increasingly diverse state and student population, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, at the University of California  announces an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Nematology faculty position; 9-month in the Department of Entomology and Nematology. 

Applications are encouraged from candidates with a strong background in any current or emerging area that will fit within our department’s disciplinary focus in agricultural nematology, defined broadly (see Responsibilities).  

As one of the country’s leading R1 institutions, UC Davis seeks candidates with exceptional potential for research, teaching, and inclusive excellence. In addition, the successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the barriers preventing full participation of members from historically underrepresented and marginalized student communities in higher education, such as (but not limited to) women, underrepresented minorities, individuals self-identifying as LGBTQIA+, veterans, individuals with disabilities, economically disadvantaged groups, first-generation, undocumented students, or students with any intersections in between. Successful candidates will help advance UC Davis’ strategic goal of improving access and building an inclusive community for all marginalized populations. The successful candidate also will have an accomplished track record (calibrated to career stage) of teaching, research, or service activities addressing the needs of underrepresented minorities, and a clearly articulated vision of how their work at UC Davis will continue to contribute to the University’s mission of serving the needs of our diverse state and student population. Applicants’ track record of engagement and activity related to diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusion as well as their plans for future engagement will be a significant part of the overall evaluation of the candidate’s qualifications for a faculty appointment. 

This is an academic year (9-month), Assistant Professor tenure-track position with teaching, research, outreach/engagement and service responsibilities and includes the expectation that the appointee will conduct mission-oriented research and outreach/engagement of relevance to the California Agricultural Experiment Station (https://caes.ucdavis.edu/research/aes).

Responsibilities:The Department of Entomology and Nematology is seeking applicants that focus on agricultural nematology.The appointee is expected to establish a competitively funded research program in nematology to address critical or emerging issues in the field. We define agricultural nematology in the broadest sense. Thus, the successful candidate could conduct research in many areas, including but not limited to any of the following: population and/or community ecology of soil nematodes; response of nematode communities to changing climate or land use; chemical ecology of nematode-plant interactions; interactions of nematodes with beneficial and pathogenic soil microbes, invasion biology of plant-parasitic nematodes, nematode control through host plant resistance, cultural practices, biological, or chemical control; nematode sampling and diagnostics, evolution of nematode resistance to control measures; behavior of plant-parasitic nematodes; and biology and application of entomopathogenic nematodes in control of agricultural pests. The appointee will be responsible for teaching or co-teaching classes that could include an introductory course in nematology (NEM 110), an upper level undergraduate course on biology, ecology and management of plant and soil nematodes, a general course in animal biology (ABI 50A, 50B or 50C) and a graduate level course in soil ecology. The appointee will mentor graduate students and contribute to undergraduate advising. Participation in and development of public outreach and/or community engagement programs, and performance of departmental and university service is expected. 

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

Qualifications: Ph.D. or equivalent degree in nematology, entomology, or related fields of biological or environmental science at the time of appointment. Post-doctoral experience is preferred. Evidence of research excellence is expected. The candidate should have the ability to develop and instruct undergraduate and graduate courses and the ability to develop and conduct extramurally funded research.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applications:Application materials must be submitted via the following website:  https://recruit.ucdavis.edu. The position will remain open until filled. To ensure consideration, applications should be received by February 15, 2022

Required application materials include: 1) curriculum vitae including publication list, 2) up to three publications, 3) transcripts if the applicant is within five years of Ph.D. degree, 4) statement of research accomplishments, 5) statement of teaching accomplishments and philosophy, 6) statement of future research plans, 7) Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and 8) the names, addresses, including e-mail, of four professional references and 9) An Authorization to Release Information form. Additional inquiries should be directed to Dr. Becky Westerdahl (bbwesterdahl@ucdavis.edu).

UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Assistant or associate professor at University of Georgia

POSITION TITLE AND DESCRIPTION: The Department of Plant Pathology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia (UGA) seeks an Assistant or Associate Professor in the area of Plant Nematology with a 75% research and 25% Extension appointment. This is an academic-year (9-month) tenure-track position located at the Tifton Campus in the heart of Georgia’s $6.5 billion crop industry.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will develop a vigorous, innovative, nationally recognized, and competitively funded research and Extension education program with the priority to mitigate diseases caused by plant-parasitic nematodes in economically important crops in the southeastern U.S., with an initial focus on cotton and specialty crops. The incumbent is expected to provide leadership and collaborate with scientists in the department, in UGA commodity teams, at USDA-ARS, and in industry to develop a productive research program using translational and applied approaches. Extension efforts will focus on outreach through publications to the producer community, providing research-based information and support to Extension specialists, participating in agent trainings, and speaking as requested at producer conferences or meetings. There is an expectation of excellence in grantsmanship, timely communication of research findings via peer-reviewed journal articles and Extension publications, and active participation in the training and mentoring of graduate students and postdocs.

QUALIFICATIONS: The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Nematology, or a closely related area. The hiring rank will be determined based on the successful candidate’s prior experience and track record. Please see the requirements for Assistant and Associate Professors in the Unit Criteria for Promotion and Tenure for the Department of Plant Pathology as well as the UGA Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion and Tenure. To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be appointed as an Associate Professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution. Candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire.

POSITION AVAILABLE: 1 August 2022. Applications received by 21 February 2022 are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

SALARY: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Melissa Mitchum, Chair of the Search Committee (melissa.mitchum@uga.edu). Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. All application materials must be submitted via the university’s faculty job portal at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/233642 Materials to be uploaded include i) cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience relative to the responsibilities of the position, ii) curriculum vitae, iii) graduate-level academic transcripts, iv) statement of research interests, v) statement of Extension philosophy and experience, and vi) names and contact information of four professional references. Selected applicants will be required to submit a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA: The University of Georgia, a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 16 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA was founded in 1785 by the Georgia General Assembly as the first state-chartered University in the country. UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 9,900 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

Tifton is a friendly city with a population of approximately 20,000 located along I-75 in southcentral Georgia. The city is situated in the heart of one of the leading and most dynamic agricultural areas of the Southeast. UGA's Tifton Campus is home to approximately 85 UGA faculty and USDA-ARS scientists plus associated graduate students, postdocs, and support staff conducting innovative and team-based research and extension to improve production agriculture in Georgia, the nation, and the world.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Graduate Assistantship at Iowa State University

A graduate assistantship, for a Ph.D. candidate, is available in the Department of Entomology at Iowa State University. Research work will focus on the use of cover crops and entomopathogenic nematodes to enhance management of key insect pests in corn. This assistantship will cover tuition, stipend and health insurance. Iowa State University is widely recognized for excellence in the area of agricultural research, and graduates from the Department of Entomology have career opportunities in academia, government and industry. Iowa State University is located in Ames, which is ranked among the best cities to live in the United States. To learn more about the Department of Entomology, visit http://www.ent.iastate.edu/. If you are interested in this assistantship, please contact Aaron Gassmann (aaronjg@iastate.edu).

Graduate Assistantship offered at Clemson University

Position: The Turfgrass Pathology and Nematology program within the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Clemson University is looking for a Ph.D. student to study root infecting pests in turfgrass systems. The graduate student will become familiar with aspects of plant pathology along practices that enhance soil microbial health to promote turfgrass survival. This position will offer hands-on experience in emerging tools for integrated pest management in the laboratory, controlled growth facilities, and field settings. The Pee Dee region offers broad exposure to plant biotic and abiotic issues and members of the program will have ample opportunity to present research findings at local, regional, and national meetings. 

Location: Pee Dee Research and Education Center, Florence, SC

Background: US Citizens from under-represented minority groups with M.S. degree from an accredited university, preferably with experience in agriculture and/or life sciences. Previous education and/or work experience with turfgrass, plant pathology, plant physiology, weed science, or soil science is desirable.

Stipend: A competitive stipend is available to support graduate student living, tuition, and supplies.

Start-date: August 2022

Contact: For more info, contact Dr. Joseph Roberts at jar7@clemson.edu. Please email your current curriculum vitae, research interest, relevant coursework, GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references

Field Agronomist II

Field Agronomist II position is available at Bayer. For more information, please visit the website https://jobs.bayer.com/job/Residence-Based-Field-Agronomist-II-Cali/714343901/?locale=en_US

Nematologist Scientist I 

Nematologist Scientist I position is open in biologics division at Bayer. For more information, please visit the website https://jobs.bayer.com/job/West-Sacramento-Nematologist-Scientist-I-Cali/709896201/?locale=en_US

R&D Scientist - Turf and Ornamental 

Syngenta is looking for a scientist to join the SPS team in Vero Beach. Plant pathologist or entomologist are preferred, but candidates nematology and weed backgrounds will also be considered for this position. Experience with turf, greenhouse, or ornamentals desired. For more information, please visit the website https://www.syngenta.com/en/job/en/18032685/external/rd-scientist-turf-and-ornamental

Assistant Professor of Nematology at University of Florida

The University of Florida is looking for a tenure track Assistant Professor of Nematology. The position is 70% Research and 30% Teaching, and is located at the University of Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center in South Florida (Robin Giblin-Davis’ former lab). We are looking for a plant nematologist to conduct research on nematodes impacting tropical crops in southern Florida and the Caribbean region. The person will also teach Plant Nematology and develop another course based on their expertise. Follow this link https://facultyjobs.hr.ufl.edu/posting/85813  to view the job description and to apply. Come be part of our team!

Post-doctoral Associate Position at University of Arkansas 

Location: Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 

The Plant-Herbivore Interactions Laboratory (PI Fiona Goggin: https://enpl.uark.edu/people/faculty/uid/fgoggin/name/Fiona+Goggin/) is seeking a post-doctoral research associate to study the influence of plant elicitor peptides and beneficial rhizobacteria on 1) infection by nematodes and other soil-borne diseases of soybean; 2) plant growth and productivity; and 3) the root-associated microbiome.

Job Summary: This is a 12-month, full-time appointment, with renewal subject to satisfactory performance and continued funding. Job responsibilities may include conducting laboratory, greenhouse, and microplot bioassays to measure infection by root knot nematodes and soybean cyst nematodes; conducting laboratory and greenhouse assays to measure infection by Pythium, Fusarium, and other soil-borne diseases; phenotyping yield, photosynthetic activity, and above- and below-ground plant growth; measuring gene expression and other markers of plant defense signaling; and assisting with analysis of MiSeq data for targeted metagenomics to assess root microbial diversity and function. This job is housed in the University of Arkansas Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (in the University of Arkansas Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (https://enpl.uark.edu/about/index.php).

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements: A Ph.D. in plant pathology or a related field is required, as well as strong written and oral communication skills, experience in statistical analysis, and prior experience working independently to design, conduct, and analyze experiments.

Preferred Experience: Prior experience in plant nematology is highly desirable, as well as experience in computational data analysis (R and other languages).  Other relevant skills and expertise include plant microbiology, metagenomics, root phenotyping, processing and analysis of high-throughput DNA sequencing data, and RT-qPCR.   

Application Instructions: Applicants can apply online at https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS/job/Fayetteville/Post-Doctoral-Fellow_R0001733

Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and List of three Profesional References (name, email, business title)

Questions:

For specific questions about the requirements of this position, please contact Dr. Fiona Goggin at fgoggin@uark.edu.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance at bbatiste@uaex.edu.

For general application assistance, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Other Comments: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture commits itself to policies of affirmative action and diversity with respect to both employment opportunities and program participation.  The Division complies with these policies not merely because of legal requirements, but because we believe that such practices are basic to human dignity.  As such, the Division welcomes all applicants to apply without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.  Candidates must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.  All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Nematologist Principal Investigator and Quality Management Program Coordinator at FMC Corporation

Please use the following link to find the job description: https://jobs-fmc.icims.com/jobs/9391/nematologist-principal-investigator-and-quality-management-program-coordinator/job?branding=live