Post-Doc in Virology​/Weed Science

Overview

Post-Doc in Virology/Weed Science
Clemson University:
College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences:
Plant & Environmental Sciences

Location: 2700 Savannah Hwy Charleston SC 29414, Clemson lab 248

Open Date: Feb 04, 2026

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated post-doc to join a dynamic and multi-disciplinary team at Clemson University with expertise across plant biology, weed science, plant pathology, agricultural engineering and molecular biology. The individual will be primarily supervised by Dr. Matthew Cutulle but will work with a team of researchers in the College of Agriculture Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University Coastal Research and Education Center along with the USDA research scientists.

The individual will also work on the farm with sweet potato growers as well as interact with the general public at field days.

• Primary responsibilities will include developing field-based discrimination platforms of major sweet potato viruses.
• Alongside imaging analysis for virus indication, the post-doc will develop sensitive molecular diagnostic tools with point-of-care application for discrimination of the common sweet potato viruses.
• They will couple virus-specific isothermal amplification with CRISPR/Cas for highly specific cleavage of viral targets, using fluorescence, colorimetry, or lateral flow for in-field signal transduction.
• Also, the individual will evaluate the sensitivity of field-based detection tools and correlate the sensitivity of newly developed image-based analysis and molecular detection assays using transmission experiments and quantitative tests with time-series analyses.
• The post-doc will be responsible for accumulation, analysis, and interpretation of pre-existing data to develop species distribution models intended to guide on-going assessment, monitoring, and restoration activities, and leveraging pre-existing datasets to quantify spread of economically important sweet potato viruses through weed hosts.
• The individual is expected to prepare and publish manuscripts in peer-refereed journals and speak.
• Location:
  
  Clemson, SC with yearly travel to 1-2 conferences

Minimum requirements:

• A PhD in Plant Sciences or related discipline
• Proficiency in conducting greenhouse bioassays
• Experience using multi-spectral, hyperspectral or other image based analysis
• Experience conducting field ecology studies
• Lead authorship on at least three peer-reviewed publications in plant science field
• Must possess a valid US driver s license

Preferred:

• Communicating and working with agricultural agencies and agricultural stakeholders (growers)
• Experience/willingness to work in remote areas under adverse conditions
• Managing/organizing large databases
• Proficiency in Program R (proficiency in Program MARK desired), SAS or JMP
• Experience in Virology and basic Molecular Biology

To apply, submit the following documents to Interfolio by February 12, 2026: 1. Cover letter that briefly summarizes your interests and qualifications
2. Curriculum Vitae 3. A sample lead-author publication
4. Unofficial Transcripts
5. List of contact information (name, affiliation, email, phone) for three professional references. Contact Dr. Matthew Cutulle mcutull (preferred contact method).

For more information and  

EEO statement: Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.