ANNOUNCEMENT NO: RA-04-090L

POSITION: Research Plant Pathologist

LOCATION: Parlier, CA

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This position is located in the Exotic and Invasive Diseases and Pests Research Unit at the San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center in Parlier, California. The incumbent will serve as part of a team conducting research on genomic detection of Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterial pathogen causing Pierce’s disease of grapevine and almond leaf scorch disease in California. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: utilizing genome sequences information to analyze the bacterial population from different sources. Identifying specific diagnostic sequences for different X. fastidiosa pathotypes. Developing sequence-based pathogen detection and identification system using DNA microarray and/or multiplex PCR techniques.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Ph.D. in molecular biology/microbiology/plant pathology or a related field is required. A strong background in utilization of molecular techniques including probe design and hybridization assay, PCR primer design and application in pathogen detection is highly desirable.

FOR INFORMATION ON SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, SALARY, BENEFITS, OR APPLICATION FORMS, CONTACT:

Lisa J. Porter
Human Resources Specialist
USDA/ARS/Human Resources Division
5601 Sunnyside Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705-5106
Phone: 301-504-1388
Fax: 301-504-1495

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:

Dr. Jianchi Chen
USDA/Agricultural Research Service
San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center
9611 South Riverbend Avenue
Parlier, CA 93648
Phone: 559-596-2924
Email: jichen@fresno.ars.usda.gov