Postdoctoral Research Scholar

PG191787PD

00112384

Post Doc

Exempt

111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology

111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology

Raleigh, NC

Organization/Department OverviewThe Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (EPP) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at North Carolina State University is a Land-Grant University department with more than 40 faculty engaged in teaching, research, and extension programs addressing issues in entomology, plant pathology, and related biological sciences. The Department provides a rich environment for undergraduate and graduate education, research training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with opportunities to apply current technologies and approaches in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings.EPP houses several specialized facilities and resources that support research, education, and extension, including the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, Insect Museum, and Center for Integrated Fungal Research. The Department’s programs are supported by the broader resources of CALS, which includes 12 academic departments, extensive research facilities, and research stations located throughout North Carolina that facilitate collaboration with agricultural producers, stakeholders, and industry partners.
Primary Purpose of Position

The Postdoctoral Scholar will contribute to the interdisciplinary research project “Characterization of the Maize Pattern-Triggered Immunity Response.” The position will investigate the genetic, molecular, and microbiological mechanisms underlying pattern-triggered immunity in maize through research conducted in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings.The scholar will work collaboratively with Dr. Anna Whitfield and Dr. Peter Balint-Kurti at North Carolina State University, as well as collaborators at the University of Illinois under the supervision of Dr. Tiffany Jamann. Specific research objectives and experimental approaches will be developed in consultation with the principal investigators and will evolve based on project needs and research findings. The scholar will be expected to exercise scientific independence in planning and conducting experiments, interpreting results, communicating findings, and contributing to scholarly publications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning and Conducting Research – 60%

• Plan and conduct research in genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, and plant-microbe interactions in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.
• Develop and execute controlled experiments designed to address project objectives and research questions.
• Apply appropriate experimental designs, controls, protocols, and methodologies to ensure the quality and reproducibility of research findings.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and organized records of experimental procedures, observations, and results.
• Analyze and troubleshoot experimental approaches and modify research methods as appropriate based on results and project needs.
• Collaborate with principal investigators, project team members, and external collaborators to coordinate research activities and advance project objectives.

• Analyze and interpret experimental results using appropriate scientific approaches and in consultation with project investigators and collaborators.
• Communicate research findings to principal investigators, collaborators, laboratory and departmental audiences, and other scientific stakeholders.
• Present research findings at professional meetings, conferences, seminars, and other scientific venues.
• Prepare research reports, abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Lead and contribute to the development, revision, and submission of manuscripts and other scholarly products resulting from the research.
• Incorporate feedback from collaborators and peer review

• The Postdoctoral Scholar will participate in research meetings, project discussions, seminars, and other professional development activities within the Department and with collaborating institutions.
• The scholar will contribute to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, maintain appropriate research and laboratory records, and comply with university, laboratory, and research-related policies and procedures.
• The position may also involve mentoring or providing guidance to graduate and undergraduate students participating in related research activities, as appropriate.
• The scholar will be expected to maintain professional expertise through engagement with current scientific literature, professional organizations, conferences, and other scholarly activities relevant to the project.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement and Leave
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.
  
  

Monday - Friday / 8am - 5pm

Ph.D in Genetics, Plant Biology, Plant Pathology or related discipline

• Skills in Molecular biology (manipulation of DNA , RNA and proteins), Plant Pathology, Microbiology and detailed understanding of mendelian and quantitative genetics
• Skills in statistical data analysis

NC Driver’s License

Yes

No

$58,656-$62,000

10/12/2026

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/236088

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