Fellow (Post Doc)

The Plant Biosecurity Laboratory in the Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University conducts interdisciplinary research on emerging and transboundary plant pathogens threatening U.S. agriculture. Our laboratory integrates genetic resistance, diagnostics development, fungal and plant genomics, and epidemiology to strengthen detection, risk assessment, and integrated disease management strategies for high-consequence plant diseases. Specific research activities are conducted at the Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) under biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) containment conditions.

This position is supported by a USDA-NIFA Agricultural Biosecurity grant. The selected candidate will be responsible for conducting and coordinating experimental activities focused on the biology, epidemiology, and genomics of the wheat blast pathogen, Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT). The individual will play a central role in implementing laboratory and controlled-environment studies and contributing to data integration within the broader biosecurity framework.

Wheat blast is an emerging fungal disease with demonstrated capacity for intercontinental spread through infected seed. Although not established in the United States, wheat blast poses a significant biosecurity threat due to its potential impact on yield stability and grain quality. Understanding the mechanisms governing introduction, persistence, and epidemic initiation is critical for developing evidence-based preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.

The Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) at Kansas State University is one of the few facilities in the United States equipped for BSL-3 plant pathogen research. The BRI provides state-of-the-art containment laboratories, growth chambers, and controlled-environment facilities designed specifically for high-consequence and transboundary plant, animal, and food-borne pathogens. This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct research in a nationally recognized biosecurity facility and to gain advanced training in high-consequence plant pathogen research, containment procedures, and standard operating procedures for BSL-3 work.

Responsibilities:
o Conduct laboratory and controlled-environment experiments.
o Characterize pathogen survival, spread, and reproductive capacity.
o Perform molecular, genomic, and diagnostic analyses as appropriate.
o Data analysis and interpretation within a risk assessment context.
o Prepare manuscripts, reports, and project documentation.
o Maintain compliance with BSL-3 containment and biosecurity protocols.
o Collaborate with a multi-institutional research team and assist in mentoring students as needed.

The department of Plant Pathology studies plant health to understand life. Plants, animals, and microbes share common basic features. Research on plant genomics helps define gene function in other forms of life, even humans. Plants feed, clothe, and protect us. They provide energy for a variety of uses. They enhance the quality of our lives. They are crucial to our existence.

We foster excellence in research, teaching, extension, and service, and this has been recognized in our faculty awards and student awards.

We learn how plants and pathogens interact and how the environment affects that interaction. We modify plants so they can fight diseases and improve yield and quality. We transfer genes from wild plants to crop plants to increase genetic diversity. We study bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses; bioinformatics, biological control, biotechnology, disease diagnosis and management, disease physiology, ecology and epidemiology, host and microbial genetics and cytogenetics, modeling/statistics, molecular genetics, and molecular plant-microbe interactions. To learn more, https://www.plantpath.k-state.edu/.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Mycology, or a closely related field.
• Experience working with fungal pathogens and molecular biology.
• Experience with laboratory and molecular skills, including diagnostic assays, plant inoculation, and fungal culturing.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with seedborne pathogens or epidemiological research.
• Experience with population biology, genomics, or bioinformatics.
• Experience with fungal sexual crosses.
• Familiarity with research conducted under containment or biosecurity-focused environments.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter (or Statement of Interest)
• Resume or CV
• Name, email and phone number for 3 professional references

Applications close on: May 17, 2026

$53,000 - $55,000