Postdoctoral Fellow: Aflatoxin Biocontrol in Field Corn

USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Plant Pathology & Aflatoxin Biocontrol

Postdoctoral fellowship at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pest Management and Biocontrol Unit at the Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Tucson, Arizona.

Research goal: develop, improve, and disseminate aflatoxin biocontrol technologies for growers; applied field research focused on aflatoxin biocontrol application recommendations for commercial corn.

• Design, implement, and manage large-scale field studies evaluating aflatoxin biocontrol treatments in commercial corn.
• Collect, process, and analyze crop and soil samples using advanced microbiological, molecular biological, and chemical methods to characterize fungal populations and quantify aflatoxin concentrations.
• Analyze field study data using statistical software (SAS or R) and interpret results to inform agricultural practices and research advancements.
• Develop aflatoxin management recommendations for corn and synthesize research results into actionable strategies for stakeholders.
• Prepare and disseminate research findings through peer‑reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and presentations at scientific and stakeholder meetings.

• Field study design and implementation
• Sample collection and analysis techniques
• Statistical analysis and interpretation
• Aflatoxin management recommendation development
• Scientific communication and knowledge sharing

Hillary Mehl (hillary.mehl)

Start date:

As soon as possible; flexible.

Length:
One year, renewable upon recommendation.

Level of participation:
Full time.

$70,000–$75,000 per year.

U.S. citizen only.

Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE, or the program administrator, and have no employment‑related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

• Doctoral degree in plant pathology, microbiology, plant sciences, or a related discipline received within the past five years.

• Advanced degree in plant pathology, microbiology, plant sciences, or related discipline.
• Desire and ability to conduct field research in agricultural settings.
• Experience using statistical software such as SAS or R.
• Experience preparing manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.

Janeen – email:
Janeen@[ORISE].org (include reference code USDA-ARS-PWA-)