Post-Doctoral Fellow – Breeding Data Management and Curation Specialist Position Available In Lee, Alabama

Job Description:

Posting Details Position Information Job Title Post-Doctoral Fellow – Breeding Data Management and CurationSpecialist Posting Number P1934F Position Summary Information Job Description Summary The Small Fruit Breeding Program at Auburn University is seeking abreeding data manager and curator specialist (Post Doc Fellow) tosupport the research activities of a USDA Specialty Crops ResearchInitiative Program award to Washington State University, ClemsonUniversity, University of Florida, Auburn University, University ofQueensland, and

USDA ARS.

This highly collaborative projectincludes a diverse team of researchers working on crop breeding,genomics, genetics, curation, and bioinformatics. This is a benefiteligible, non-tenure track position available for two years. Theproject will expand the Rosaceae, Citrus, Vaccinium and Pulse cropdatabases to meet community demand for resources with usable bigdata aggregated, analyzed, integrated, and visualized, as well asdata management and analysis tools.

This specialist based at AuburnUniversity will support (1) collect, curate, and integrate alltypes of genomics, genetics, and breeding big data in easy-to-useand robust crop-specific databases, and (2) providescientists/breeders with personalized training for field datacollection software, big data management and analysis, and use ofdatabase resources, quantify impact of databases ongenomics-assisted breeding, and broadly disseminate projectactivities and outcomes. Additionally, the specialist will workclosely with the blueberry breeder at Auburn University to collectand analyze phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental data to buildprediction models for key traits of blueberry such as floweringtime, yield, and fruit quality. This position reports to Dr. Sushan Ru at Auburn University.

Meanwhile, the PDs of the Washington State University Drs. DorrieMain and Sook Jung and will closely work together with their cohortof other crop curators and outreach specialists. This positionrequires frequent travel including driving.

Essential Duties andResponsibilities include the following: Collect and curate genomic, genetic, and breeding data andupload to the Genome Database for Vaccinium and Genome Database forRosaceae Help create outreach and training materials for specialty cropbreeders and researchers Provide webinars and on-site training on how to use the GenomeDatabase for Vaccinium and the Breeding Information ManagementSystem (BIMS) Manage mass communication to database users includingnewsletters and social media Help organize and participate in workshops atconferences Participate in preparation of scholarly publications Minimum Qualifications The minimum qualification is an earned Ph.D. in Plant Breeding,Quantitative Genetics, or closely related field at the timeemployment begins. The ideal candidate for this position will havea strong background in plant breeding and genetics, research andscientific data management, and familiarity with programing. Selected candidates must have the following essential skills: Strong background in plant breeding and genetics Strong computer skills and proficiency in R or otherprogramming languages Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills Excellent oral and written scientific presentationskills Demonstrated ability for time management and use of informedjudgment to make independent decisions Desired Qualifications Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must complete an on-line application process at thefollowing link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/49851 and attach thefollowing: 1) cover letter stating research interests and careergoals, 2) current curriculum vita, and 3) copies of all academictranscripts. When prompted, please provide names, phone numbers,and email addresses of three professional references. Only COMPLETEapplication materials will be considered. Active review ofapplications will begin December 1, 2024 and continue until theposition is filled. Salary will be commensurate with education andexperience. For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Sushan Ruat sushan.ru@auburn.edu

The Program:

The Small Fruit Breeding Program at Auburn Universityis located in Auburn, Alabama, U.S. The program was established in2021 to develop elite blueberry cultivars for Alabama and thebroader Southeastern United States using a combination oftraditional and molecular breeding technologies. Our researchfocuses on multi-environment cultivar evaluation, dissection of thegenetic basis of important traits, and high-throughput phenotypingin blueberries and potentially other small fruit crops.

The University:

Auburn University is an R1 land-grant institutionorganized into twelve academic colleges and schools. Auburn isranked 40th among public universities in the U.S. News and World2021 Report. For 2020, 24,505 undergraduates as well as 6,232graduate and professional students were enrolled. The University isnationally recognized for its academic excellence, commitments tocommunity engagement, positive work environment, flourishingstudent life programs, and beautiful campus. To learn more aboutthe University, please visit: www.auburn.edu.

The Community:

Auburn is recognized as one of America’s best smalltowns with a moderate climate and easy access to major cities,beaches, and mountains. The city is situated along the rapidlydeveloping I-85 Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama corridor.

The combined Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Statistical Area boasts agrowing population of over 160,000. The City of Auburn grew 43% inthe past decade and is known for an excellent public school systemand a local medical center acknowledged as among the best in theregion. The City of Auburn website has information on the communityand services that can be accessed at:https://www.auburnalabama.org/ Posting Detail Information Open Date Close Date Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITYEMPLOYER.

It is our policy to provide equal employment andeducation opportunities for all individuals without regard to race,color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genderidentity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protectedveteran status, genetic information, or any other classificationprotected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/EqualEmployment Opportunity (AA/EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive andequitable working, living, and learning environment for members ofthe Auburn University community. Please visit their website tolearn more. Open Until Filled Yes References required for this position? Yes If yes, minimum number requested 3