USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Plant Pathology

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-PWA-

11/20/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and

Location:

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pacific West Area (PWA) located in Salinas, California.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources;

and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Soilborne diseases caused by the fungal plant pathogens Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum are a primary constraint on production of high value specialty crops in California. Synthetic chemical soil fumigants can partially control these diseases. However, the negative impacts of fumigants on human health and increased restrictions on their use indicate non-fumigant methods for disease control are needed. The goal of this opportunity is to conduct research on the ecology, evolution, and management of soilborne pathogens, such as V.

dahliae and

F. oxysporum, impacting production of strawberry and vegetables grown in the Salinas Valley region of CA.

By collaborating with the mentor, you will investigate evolutionary changes in pathogen populations, assess the role of microbes and host physiology in disease resistance and susceptibility, and evaluate non-fumigant methods for disease control. Methods employed will provide training opportunities in the disciplines of plant pathology, microbial ecology, and plant physiology. Outcomes from research are expected to improve knowledge of interactions among soilborne pathogens, beneficial microbes, and crops as well as inform non-fumigant methods for sustainable disease management in strawberry and vegetable production.

• Advance science communication skills through preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentation of research results at research conferences and seminars.
• Develop statistical and bioinformatic skills through analysis of experimental data and population genetic and genomic data from plant pathogens and beneficial microbes.
• Learn new laboratory procedures, including but not limited to the following: microscopy, nucleic acid extraction, quantitative and RT-PCR, measurement of plant physiological characteristics.
• Expand personal professional network with federal, university, and industry scientists through collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

The mentor for this opportunity is Nicholas LeBlanc (nicholas.leblanc). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

January 2027. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

The appointment is full time.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage…