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Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Potato Pathogen (Fungi) Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Frederick, Maryland, United States, 21701

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USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Potato Pathogen (Fungi) Fellowship Overview:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) invites applications for a one-year postdoctoral fellowship focused on the potato pathogen Synchytrium endobioticum (potato wart), a foreign regulated Select Agent. The fellowship will develop diagnostics, pathogen resources, and containment strategies using metagenomics and bioinformatics to protect U.S. potato production.

Responsibilities

Conduct metagenomic and bioinformatic analyses to assess genetic diversity of Synchytrium endobioticum.

Identify high-priority geographic regions for ongoing sampling and surveillance.

Develop validated diagnostics and pathogen containment strategies.

Collaborate with ARS stakeholders and present findings at conferences.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in plant pathology, mycology, microbiology, or bioinformatics earned within the past four years.

Experience with nucleic acid extraction and metagenomics is preferred.

Strong background in bioinformatics, pathogen diagnostics, or related fields.

U.S. citizenship only.

Application Information Application Deadline:

February 27, 2026 3:00 PM Eastern Time

Application Deadline:

Rolling basis once filled one year.

Contact:

Janeen ORISE.ARS.Northeast@orau.org reference code USDA-ARS-NEA-2025-0259

Compensation Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience ($80,000–$85,447 annually).

Employment Full-time, flexible start date April 2026, one-year appointment, may be renewed contingent on funding.

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