Postdoctoral Researcher in Mycology/Plant Pathology

 

We are seeking preapplications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (U.S. citizen, or permanent resident in special circumstances) to join an exciting, recently funded collaborative project between USDA-ARS (Dr. Catalina Salgado-Salazar) and Bowie State University (Dr. Priscila Chaverri), focused on the systematics and molecular and morphological characterization of downy mildews (Peronosporaceae, Oomycota).

 

This project addresses critical gaps in the identification of plant pathogens that impact the U.S. floriculture and nursery industries by leveraging the vast holdings of the U.S. National Fungus Collection (BPI) located at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (USDA-ARS-BARC) in Maryland.

 

Project Overview:

The successful candidate will work at the interface of classical taxonomy and modern molecular systematics, using historical fungarium specimens to: Develop and optimize DNA extraction protocols for degraded herbarium material; Generate DNA barcode data for poorly characterized downy mildew species; Resolve taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships in key genera/species; Characterize taxa morphologically; Contribute to biosecurity and diagnostic tools for plant pathogen identification. This work directly supports USDA-APHIS efforts in plant health, quarantine, and pest detection, improving the speed and accuracy of pathogen identification.

 

Key Responsibilities

Conduct DNA extraction from historical herbarium (fungarium) specimens; Optimize PCR and sequencing workflows for low-quality and degraded DNA; Generate, curate, and analyze DNA barcode datasets; Perform phylogenetic analyses using appropriate computational tools; Produce high-quality microscopic images for morphological analyses and taxonomic documentation; Contribute to publications, public datasets, and specimen annotation; Collaborate with USDA scientists and mentor undergraduate and graduate students at Bowie State University.

 

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Mycology, Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Botany, or a related field

• Experience in molecular systematics/phylogenetics, including DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing

• Demonstrated expertise in microscopy for taxonomic or morphological studies

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals

• Due to the primary work location at USDA-ARS facilities, U.S. citizenship is preferred; permanent residents may be considered in special circumstances

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with herbarium/fungarium specimens or degraded DNA

• Knowledge of oomycetes or plant pathogenic fungi

• Interest in taxonomy, biodiversity, and plant health applications

• Some experience with genome sequencing and assembly

 

Location

The position involves collaboration between USDA-ARS (Beltsville, Maryland) and Bowie State University. Bowie State University is in Bowie, Maryland, and is part of the University System of Maryland. It is only 20-30 minutes from Washington DC, other universities, and research institutes such as the University of Maryland and the USDA.

 

Salary range: $60,000 – 65,000 / year

 

Duration of the position: 1.5 years

 

Estimated start date: September, 2026

 

How to Apply

Please submit

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Cover letter (two-page maximum) describing research interests and experience, and U.S. citizen status

• Contact information for 2–3 references

• Transcripts

 

Send materials and inquiries to Priscila Chaverri (pchaverri@bowiestate.edu) and Catalina Salgado-Salazar (catalina.salgado@usda.gov).

 

Review of applications will begin June 15th, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

 

*Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

 

For more information on the Chaverri Mycology Lab at Bowie State University, see https://bowiestate.edu/directories/faculty-and-staff-directory/pchaverri.php and https://www.chaverrifungi.com/

 

Additional Job Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance; paid sick leave and annual leave; 10 paid holidays per year; tuition remission; and supplemental retirement.

 

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