Fellow (Postdoctoral Researcher): The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow position to work in the Cook Lab. This position focuses on studying fungal genomics and evolution, with research topics including effector regulation, mutation rates, and the epigenomic control of mobile DNA in filamentous fungi. The position involves both laboratory and computational biology methodologies and contributes to a federally funded grant from the National Science Foundation titled, “The role of heterochromatin in regulating fungal infection and evolution.”
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow (Full Time, On-Site)
Research Areas
The position focuses on the following research areas:
- Fungal genomics and evolution
- Effector regulation and mutation rates in fungi
- Epigenomic control of mobile DNA
- Transcriptional regulation and heterochromatin’s role in fungal infection
Job Details
| Position Title | Fellow (Post Doc) |
|---|---|
| Department | Plant Pathology |
| Job Type | Full-Time (Unclassified – Term) |
| Work Location | On-site (Manhattan, Kansas, United States) |
| Salary Range | $56,000–$59,000 annually |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2025 |
| Sponsorship Eligibility | Yes |
Eligibility/Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in molecular biology (plants or fungi), genomics, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in molecular techniques to characterize cellular or organismal phenotypes.
- Expertise in genomic library preparation.
- Proficiency in command-line bioinformatics tools.
- Experience in working with filamentous fungi.
- Background in transcriptional regulation or epigenomics.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
Job Description
The successful candidate will:
- Conduct high-impact research in fungal genomics and evolution as part of a federally funded NSF grant.
- Apply molecular and computational methods to study effector regulation, mutation rates, and epigenomic control mechanisms.
- Work collaboratively with a team of plant pathology researchers at Kansas State University, building on the department’s strengths in applied plant pathology, microbiology, host-parasite relationships, and biotechnology.
- Produce high-quality publications and communicate findings at scientific meetings.
This position is located on-site at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. The university is renowned for its strong research environment and dynamic academic community, located in the scenic Flint Hills region.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter detailing research experience and interests.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact information for three professional references.
Applications must be submitted online through Kansas State University’s portal.
Last Date to Apply
September 15, 2025
About Kansas State University and the Department
Kansas State University (K-State), the nation’s first land-grant institution, is dedicated to academic excellence and fostering research in various scientific fields. The Department of Plant Pathology is renowned for its contributions to applied plant pathology, genomics, host-parasite resistance genetics, and microbiology.
The Cook Lab, the site of this postdoctoral research opportunity, offers cutting-edge resources and a collaborative environment to explore the fascinating world of fungal genomics.
For more information, visit the Kansas State Department of Plant Pathology or the local Convention & Visitors Bureau website for details about Manhattan, Kansas: Manhattan CVB.
Apply now to join a talented team advancing the field of fungal genomics and evolution!
