Research Professional 5 - Plant Science

Percent Time: 50%
Salary Range (100% time equivalent): $75,900 - $79,000

Position Summary: Responsible for overseeing multiple research-related projects or a single, complex project spanning several years. Possesses in-depth knowledge of plant diseases, epidemiology, and plant and fungal molecular biology that is readily applied as issues arise. Creates a project plan in concert with the team, ensuring that resources and staff are in place to meet the schedule. Decisions are guided by project goals and grant objectives; receives guidance and oversight from manager.

Job Duties:
(15%) Designs, plans, implements, and evaluates complex multifaceted research projects on fungicide efficacy in cultivated wild rice, remaining current on technological and scientific developments in the field and their potential application into experimental plans.
(20%) Conduct research investigations from experimental design and interpretation of experimental results for surveys, collections, detection (discovery), evaluation of pathogen's populations in wild rice plant tissues using traditional and molecular techniques.
(10%) Revival and re-storage, and additional characterization of a 10 year-collection of wild rice pathogens.
(30%) Conduct research investigations from experimental design to interpretation of experimental results for whole genome sequencing and annotation of fungi infecting wild rice.
(5%) Perform gene expression analysis for gene validations on wild rice defenses and pathogen virulence.
(5%) Assist the breeding program on selection for disease resistance to the main wild rice pathogens
(10%) Write manuscripts for publication and work with journal editors/reviewers for publication.
(5%) Discuss and plan new avenues of investigation. Write proposal to procure research funding.

Required Qualifications: Advanced degree with 1 or more years of research training. Experience with diseases of aquatic plant species, setting up and evaluating large field experiments for disease control, performing molecular biology, bioinformatics, and statistical analyses on experimental data.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience with diseases of cultivated wild rice. Good writing and oral communication skills, including writing grant proposals, manuscripts, and giving presentations to growers.

Pay Range: $75,900 - $79,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 50% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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 will remain open until filled.

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

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).