Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

The Schlatter and Khokhani labs at the University of Minnesota seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead research on microbial legacies of alfalfa cropping on subsequent corn-associated microbiomes and plant health. The successful candidate will leverage existing multi-year amplicon datasets from the University of Minnesota Long-Term Agricultural Research Network to determine how the soil, rhizosphere, and root microbiota of corn is influenced by alternative rotation crops (soy, wheat, alfalfa). They will build on these data with deep metagenomic sequencing to identify functional pathways, reconstruct microbial genomes of taxa associated with crop rotations, and compare community scale metabolic models. Additionally, guided by DNA sequencing data the candidate will cultivate rhizosphere and root-associated microbes, design novel or modified synthetic communities, and evaluate their impact on plant nutrient uptake and suppression of key corn pathogens (Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Pythium spp). The incumbent is expected to take a leadership role in data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with research collaborators, supervise undergraduate and graduate students, and attend national conferences.

Postdoctoral associates should look for at least 2-3 years of commitment and be enthusiastic about publishing. The position is initially offered for a year, and continued support is contingent upon the candidate's performance and/or funding.

Note: These are not positions to which permanent residency can be granted for international appointees.

Job Duties:

• 40% Employ cutting edge DNA sequencing and bioinformatic tools to analyze amplicon and shotgun metagenomic datasets and identify microbial taxa, functional pathways, and community signatures associated with different rotation cropping histories.

• 30% Design synthetic community and plant nutrient uptake/disease experiments, evaluate health/disease severity, analyze microbial colonization and dynamics of syncoms in host plants by culturing and sequence-based methods.

• 30% Write reports and manuscripts, collaborate with teams, and mentor students. Present research at conferences and meetings, and participate in grant proposal writing.

Benefits and Expectations

Competitive salary with full benefits, access to advanced genomic, bioinformatic, and plant growth facilities, and opportunities for conferences/grants. Commitment of 2-3 years preferred; renewal based on performance/funding. Submit cover letter, CV, and three references; the application review will continue until a suitable candidate is finalized.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Microbiology, or Molecular Biology.

Strong publication (at least 1-2 research articles in peer-reviewed international journals as the first author) record in peer-reviewed plant pathology related journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

Expertise in microbiome data processing and analysis (eg. amplicon and shotgun sequencing).

Proficiency in high-performance computing and statistical programming software (R, python).

Experience in microbiological and molecular techniques such as sterile technique, DNA extraction, PCR, synthetic community design, etc.

Experienced in designing randomized plant experiments and conducting growth chamber/greenhouse studies.

Experience working with alfalfa, maize, and their associated phytopathogens.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team with different research groups.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 - $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.