Job Description

Position Summary:
A post-doctoral research opportunity is available in the Plant Pathology and Biotechnology program, Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to study :1) interactions among plants, plant pathogens and hyperparasites at cellular, biochemical and molecular levels, and 2) etiology of diseases, their distribution and diversity in cold environment. Research will be carried out independently with intermittent direction. The Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks, invites applications for a Research Professional position. This position is on a renewable 12-month term funded contract. Annual renew is dependent on performance and funding availability.
Duties:
Daily maintenance of laboratory facilities and instrumentation, monitoring and ordering supplies, enforcing safe procedures by users, gathering estimates for equipment as well as installation and repairs of the equipment.Organization, documentation, and reporting of research results, including contributing to and generating reports required by funding agenciesResponsible for carrying out daily operations of research in the Plant Pathology and Biotechnology Lab. Perform research independently with intermittent direction. Responsible for plant pathology and biotechnology research activities, including, but not limited to plant-pathogen-hypoparasite interactions, metagenomics of soil micriobbes, biological control, plant disease diagnostics, identification and distribution
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Basic understanding of research methods and analysis. Must have experience working independently on research projects. Skilled in accurate data collection and documentation. Ability to follow and develop protocols. Practice of chemical safety.
Expert level knowledge of research methods and analytical procedures. Ability to use computerized tools to acquire, organize and analyze scientific information
Knowledge of budgeting guidelines. Ability to manage, typically research staff or a research
program. Ability to effectively communicate findings to the public.

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:
Basic plant pathology and microbiology techniques including/but not limited to:
a) Aseptic technique
Making media
Isolating and maintaining pure bacteria and fungi cultures
Maintaining tissue cultures
b) Microscopy (Light, fluorescent and/or SEM), slide preparation and staining
● Molecular Biology/Biochemistry techniques
a) Gel electrophoresis
b) DNA extractions
c) Transformation and/or cloning
d) PCR, RT-PCR
● Computer and communication skills
a) Statistical analysis
REQUIRED EDUCATION OR TRAINING:
Education and Experience
Ph.D. degree and two year experience in a field relevant to the research (Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry), or equivalent combination of training and experience.

SALARY INFORMATION:
This is a full-time, term-funded, 9-month, exempt postdoctoral position with additional funding available for the summer months, it is also complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. Salary begins at $37,600, DOE.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information (email address and phone number) for three (3) professional references with your application.

This position is open until filled. The initial review date will begin on August 19, 2022.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.