Postdoctoral Scholar Tomato Genetics and Breeding Program
Postdoctoral Scholar Tomato Genetics and Breeding Program
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Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student please click Apply and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneedperformanceand/oravailabilityoffunding.POSITION SPECIFICS
The Tomato Genetics and Breeding Program in the Department of Plant Science at The Pennsylvania State University seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct applied tomato research from September 1 2025 through August 31 2026 with the possibility of extension.
Incumbent will:
Serve as the leading researcher advancing tomato breeding objectives at Penn State including disease resistance improved fruitquality and other desirable traits under the supervision of the PI. Oversee laboratory operations by managing procurement and maintenance of equipment materials and supplies; administering the lab budget; and recruiting training and supervising technical staff. Design and execute experiments in consultation with the PI to evaluate Penn State experimental F1 hybrids (both processing and fresh-market types: slicer grape plum-Roma) in multi-location field and protected-environment (greenhouse high tunnel) across Pennsylvania and neighboring states and to drive commercialization of Penn-State-developed tomato cultivars. Further advance Penn State elite tomato breeding lines through iterative selection and self- and cross-pollination using various plant breeding protocols. Conduct extensive research on tomato bacterial canker (caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis) including controlled disease screening and systematic phenotyping and characterization application of advanced statistical and genomic data analyses preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and the development of resistant breeding lines and experimental F1 hybrids for commercialization. Quantify fruit quality parameters (e.g. lycopene firmness Brix) using standard biochemical and colorimetric assays (spectrophotometer refractometer and HPLC). Travel regionally to evaluate trial sites (approximately 25%); manage collaborations with both public and private industry stakeholders; and communicate findings at field days extension events and conferences.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Horticulture or Plant Science with major focus on Plant Breeding/Genetics and Plant Pathology. Background knowledge and demonstrated experience in tomato genetics and breeding including field operations protected cultivation and familiarity with tomato diseases and abiotic stresses. Background knowledge and demonstrated experience in tomato bacterial diseases in particular bacterial canker (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis) including pathogen inoculation disease screening and selection of improved genotypes. Proficiency in laboratory techniques: aseptic methods microbial culture methods biological sampling DNA extraction and quantification PCR gel electrophoresis and molecular marker development. Background knowledge and practical experience in genetic mapping and various techniques of QTL analysis (e.g. SIM CIM MIM). Background knowledge and demonstrated experience in statistical analyses including analysis of variance (ANOVA) multivariate analyses principal components analysis (PCA) and genotype x environment (GE) interaction analyses. Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting at conferences and seminars. Demonstrated success in grant proposal writing. Willingness to travel regionally and to collaborate directly with tomato growers and researchers in both greenhouse and field settings. Demonstrated experience in recruiting training and managing new employees.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online at In addition to their application candidates should submit the following materials: letter of interest curriculum vitae and names of three references. For more information please contact Dr. Majid Foolad Professor of Plant Genetics at .
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid drivers license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.For more detailed information please visit ourBenefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988 Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security such as those concerning alcohol and drug use crime prevention the reporting of crimes sexual assault and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability please contact .
Employment Type
Full-Time
