Post-Doctoral Associate (Small Grain Cereal Breeding, Genetics and Genomics)

Post-Doctoral Research Position, Small Grain Cereal Breeding, Genetics and Genomics

Post-Doctoral Associate
Job Code: 9546

Position Summary:
Post-Doctoral Associates conduct research and/or service that provides further development of career skills or allows them opportunities to learn new research techniques. They are trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda.

Positions are limited to a period of three to five years, depending on training needs. Post-Doctoral Associates are receiving training while also performing services for the University of Minnesota, for which they are compensated.

The person in this position will lead a new project for developing winter durum cultivars for the Upper Midwest as part of the crop diversification effort of the Forever Green Initiative (FGI) (https://forevergreen.umn.edu/) at the University of Minnesota. Target traits in the durum breeding program include yield, winter hardiness, pasta quality, agronomic traits, and disease resistance. The selected candidate will be expected to utilize modern tools in breeding (e.g. genotyping, genomic selection, & high throughput phenotyping), promote cultivation of winter durum with producers in the region and crop commercialization with end-users. A second focus of the position will be on pre-breeding and genomic selection of disease resistance in the Minnesota barley breeding program, which includes both spring and winter types.

The Post-Doctoral Associate will gain experience in leading a breeding program and using genomic selection to advance barley cultivars with multiple disease resistance.
Note: These are not positions to which permanent residency can be granted for international appointees.

Job Duties:
(60%) Breeding winter durum for the Upper Midwest
(5%) Promoting the cultivation of winter durum with producers and its commercialization with end-users
(5%) Submitting grants to support winter durum breeding
(30%) Pre-breeding and genomic selection of multiple disease resistance in barley

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in plant breeding, genetics, plant science or a related discipline. Individual may be immediate post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and/or retooling. Limited to fields for which post-degree training is necessary for career entry.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with breeding plants (especially small grain cereals); manipulation and analysis of large datasets; genomic selection; and disease resistance screening.

This position is in the Steffenson Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology in CFANS on the St. Paul, MN campus of the U of MN.

Pay Range: $61,008 +; 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

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.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. This position requires that you attach: a CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

HIRING MANAGER: Dr. Brian Steffenson, bsteffen@umn.edu

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

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.

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 nation's 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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).