USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research in Plant Genetics

Description

Position:
Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit – Hop Breeding and Genetics Fellow

Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), based in Corvallis, Oregon.

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-PWA-

The project seeks to develop molecular resources to advance breeding efforts for resistance to powdery mildew in hop (Humulus lupulus L.). The participant will analyze available phenotypic and genotypic datasets from two populations – a large structured multi-parent population and a bi-parental population. Responsibilities include developing a consensus genetic map, identifying marker–trait associations, evaluating phenotyping methods, conducting marker validation, and publishing results.

• Analyze phenotypic and genotypic datasets from multi-parent and bi-parental populations.
• Develop consensus genetic maps integrating data from structured and biparental populations.
• Identify marker–trait associations linked to powdery mildew resistance using statistical and genomic approaches.
• Evaluate and compare phenotyping methods for their effectiveness in detecting reliable marker–trait associations.
• Conduct marker validation using existing datasets to confirm robustness and applicability.
• Troubleshoot and analyze complex genomic datasets in an obligately outcrossing, highly heterozygous species.
• Communicate research findings through preparation and submission of manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals.

• Develop molecular resources supporting breeding for powdery mildew resistance in hop.
• Analyze complex phenotypic and genotypic datasets.
• Construct consensus genetic maps.
• Identify marker–trait associations.
• Evaluate phenotyping methods.
• Conduct marker validation.
• Troubleshoot complex genomic datasets.
• Communicate research findings via manuscripts.

Kayla Altendorf – kayla.altendorf

Start date:

Summer 2026 (flexible).

Length:
Initially one year, renewable upon recommendation and availability of funds.

Position:
Full time.

Stipend: $6,705.42 – $7,152.50 per month.

U.S. citizen only.

Doctoral degree (or actively pursuing) in plant breeding, genetics, applied plant science, plant biology, plant pathology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, genomics, or related field.

• Experience managing large-scale genomic and phenotypic datasets.
• Preparation of figures and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications or theses/dissertations.
• Experience with genomics and genetics programs.
• Programming skills in R, Python, or similar.
• Experience with genetic data from outcrossing, highly heterozygous species or constructing genetic maps.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft).

7/31/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Janeen