[IUFRO RG 7.02 FORPATH] Position Announcement - Forest Health

ForPath Users: Copied below and attached is a position announcement. Please pass onto anyone that you believe would be interested. I apologize for any duplicates due to cross posting on the ForEnt Listserve. Have a good day. Scott Enebak **************************************************************************************************************** Post-doctoral fellow position The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama is seeking candidates for the position of Post-Doctoral Fellow. This is a one year, limited term non-tenure track position and is funded from external sources. Continued employment is contingent on availability of funding and satisfactory performance for a maximum period of four years. The selected candidate will be interacting and communicating with stakeholders including regional forest seedling growers and seed production representatives. It is expected that research undertaken will be published in peer-reviewed journals, and communicated through scientific presentations, field days and stakeholder interactions. Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, microbiology, molecular biology or a related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of standard molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, etc.) and bioinformatics is desirable. They should also be innovative, self-driven and have good communication skills with an interest in applied research. The candidate selected for the position must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment; excellent communications skills required, both written and oral. Responsibilities: The position will focus on comparing the rapid screening protocol for Fusarium circinatum to the blotter paper method to confirm the presence or absence of the pathogen on/in southern pine seed that can be used for pest risk assessment of an invasive fungal pathogen. Primers for various Fusarium species have been identified utilizing the b-tubulin gene and nuclear rDNA ITS region to determine specific conserved regions that can be used for species identification. Primers for these regions will be applied to Fusarium circinatum for PCR amplification, sequenced to identify a conserved region and applied in a PCR-based rapid detection system on Pinus sp seed and planting material. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. To apply: Interested applicants should provide a formal letter of application, a complete biographical resume including a list of refereed publications, official transcripts, and the names of three references (name, address, phone number, and email addresses) who may be contacted for letters of recommendation. This information should be sent to: Pam Beasley, Executive Coordinator, Auburn University, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 602 Duncan Drive Auburn, AL 36849-5418. For additional inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Scott Enebak 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn University, AL, 36849. Phone: 334.844.1028 Only complete application materials will be considered. Review of applications will begin on August 20, 2013, and will continue until a suitable applicant is identified. Auburn University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer ***************************************************************************************************