Postdoctoral Researcher in Mycology/Plant Pathology:

Oomycete Systematics and Genomics

 

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, genomics, 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, genomics, evolutionary biology, and phylogenetics, using historical fungarium specimens to develop innovative approaches for studying oomycete diversity and evolution. The project will integrate DNA barcoding, genomics, phylogenomics, bioinformatics, high-throughput sequencing, and morphological analyses to: develop optimized DNA extraction protocols for degraded herbarium material; generate molecular datasets for poorly characterized downy mildew species; resolve taxonomic and evolutionary relationships in key lineages; and contribute to next-generation diagnostic and biosecurity tools for plant pathogen identification. This work directly supports USDA-APHIS efforts in plant health, quarantine, and the detection of emerging pathogens.

 

Key Responsibilities

Conduct DNA extraction from historical herbarium (fungarium) specimens and low-input/degraded samples; Optimize PCR, library preparation, and sequencing workflows for challenging DNA samples; Generate, curate, and analyze DNA barcode, genomic, and phylogenomic datasets; Perform phylogenetic/phylogenomic analyses using computational tools and bioinformatics pipelines; Participate in high-throughput sequencing and genome assembly projects; Produce high-quality microscopic images, morphological measurements, and morphometric analyses for taxonomic documentation; Contribute to publications, publicly available datasets, and specimen annotation; Collaborate with USDA scientists and mentor undergraduate and graduate students at Bowie State University.

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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

• Experience with genomics sequencing and high-throughput sequencing

 

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.

 

Bowie State University shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or veteran status. All policies, programs, and activities of Bowie State University are and shall be in conformity with all pertinent Federal and state laws of nondiscrimination including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination Act, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,  the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Federal Executive Order No. 11375, and Article 49B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This commitment applies in all areas and embraces faculty, staff, and students.

 

Equal opportunity of access to academic and related programs shall be extended to all persons. Bowie State University shall have as its firm objective equal opportunity in recruitment and hiring, rate of pay, all other promotions, training, retention and dismissals, for all employees and applicants for employment. The University will stress equal access for employees and applicants for employment to all programs and services provided by the University both on and off campus. The University will also provide equal opportunity and an atmosphere of nondiscrimination with respect to women and members of minority groups in all its operations. In addition, the University shall promote equal opportunity and equal treatment through a positive and continuing Affirmative Action Program.

 

The University makes, and will continue to make, reasonable accommodations to promote the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the University's business.

 

In addition, employees and applicants will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination because they have engaged in, or may have engaged in, activities such as filing a complaint, assisting or participating in an investigation, compliance review or hearing, or opposing any act or practice made unlawful, or exercising any other right protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended or the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended.