Post Doctoral Associate MARS - Bertioli Lab

Post Doctoral Associate MARS - Bertioli Lab Position Summary

This position, which reports to the PI of the project "Creating a new genetic foundation for the peanut crop," provides critical technical and scientific support to the project. The role is part of a $1.2 M, 4‑year program awarded to UGA by MARS Inc. and supports UGA’s leadership in peanut research.

• Consolidate the collection of neotetraploids: organize, catalogue, curate and perform general characterization (phenotypic, pathological, physiological, cytogenetic, anatomical, nutritional, etc.).
• Assist with the design of a comprehensive collection and produce allotetraploids to fill gaps in allelic diversity for peanut breeding.
• Assist with allotetraploid seed multiplication for deposit at the USDA and transfer to domestic and international collaborators, including paperwork for MTAs and phytosanitary certificates.
• Perform phylogenetic analyses of wild Arachis species with a new genotyping system.
• Help validate a new genotyping system for wild introgressions; conduct population development, QTL analyses, association analyses, cytogenetic analyses, creation of new allotetraploids, plant/disease phenotyping, and student mentoring.
• Participate in regional, national, and international meetings as appropriate.
• Manuscript writing.

• Assist with general lab activities, such as disease and insect bioassays, photo documentation, field and greenhouse planting, scouting and harvesting, seed inventory, and hosting of visitors.

Time allocation: 75% MARS Research; 25% General Lab Support.

• PhD in genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, plant breeding, biology or a related field.
• Demonstrated independent thinking and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Flexibility to changing needs within the department/college/industry.
• Knowledge of groundnut breeding and genetics, especially disease resistance.
• Knowledge of wild Arachis: cytogenetics, genetics, ecology, taxonomy.
• Ability to analyze data, write reports, and produce scientific manuscripts.

Normal office environments; greenhouse and field work.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials, reference checks, and, if applicable, a credit check. Applicants may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status.