The successful applicant will: 1) develop/optimize molecular assays to detect and quantify plant-parasitic nematodes, viruliferous nematode populations and nematode vectors in fields, and characterize population diversity and phylogenetic relationships of plant-parasitic nematodes, 2) determine interactions between plant-parasitic nematodes and associated pathogens to understand their impact on crop health and yield, 3) sequence and analyze genome and transcriptome of important nematodes, and 4) identify genes for resistance to the nematodes and conduct gene functional analysis. Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in developing molecular procedures for detection of plant pathogens, acquisition and annotation of genome or transcriptome, identification of plant resistance or nematode parasitism genes, and whole-genome wide association mapping; experience with bioinformatics analysis and molecular techniques such as DNA and RNA extraction, gene cloning and sequence analysis, primer and probe design, and gene functional analysis; experience with laboratory, greenhouse and field research; and good interpersonal skills.