Post-Doctoral Associate-Dutta

Posting DetailsPosition DetailsPosting Number G/R33487P Working Title Post-Doctoral Associate-Dutta Department CAES-Plant Pathology About the University of GeorgiaChartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website Employment Type Employee Additional Schedule Information Advertised Salary Anticipated Start Date 07/01/2026 Posting Date 06/05/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to ApplicantsPlease include CV, Cover letter and Evidence of Degree.Location of Vacancy Tifton Area EOO StatementThe 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, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).USG Core Values StatementThe University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.Duties/ResponsibilitiesDuties/ResponsibilitiesAnalyze the impact of production practices, environmental conditions, and inoculum sources on the occurrence and severity of bacterial diseases in vegetable crops.Identify key risk factors and interactions that contribute to disease outbreaks in cucurbits, onions, and related vegetables.Generate data to inform and improve management strategies for reducing bacterial disease incidence under diverse field conditions.Percentage of time 30 Duties/ResponsibilitiesDevelop and refine effective, field-ready management strategies to control bacterial diseases in cucurbits and onions.Optimize integrated approaches that balance environmental sustainability with economic feasibility for growers.Extend and translate research findings into practical recommendations and tools for industry adoption and field implementation.Percentage of time 30 Duties/ResponsibilitiesApply comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to identify key virulence factors in bacterial pathogens affecting cucurbits and onions.Develop and validate practical, rapid diagnostic tools for accurate detection of bacterial pathogens in research and field settings.Design and implement phenotypic screening methods to evaluate host resistance and support breeding and disease management efforts.Percentage of time 20 Duties/ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with industry stakeholders and partners to align research with practical needs and support technology transfer.Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students while maintaining accurate research records and documentation.Analyze and synthesize research data and communicate findings through presentations at scientific and industry meetings.Percentage of time 10 Duties/ResponsibilitiesAssist PI in writing competitive federal grant proposals.Percentage of time 10Position DetailsPosition InformationClassification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications Position SummaryThe Postdoctoral Researcher will investigate bacterial pathogens affecting vegetable crops—particularly cucurbits, onions, and brassicas—using comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to identify virulence factors and develop practical diagnostic and resistance-screening tools. This role will evaluate how production practices, environmental conditions, and inoculum sources influence disease outbreaks, and assess cultural strategies that suppress pathogens while supporting beneficial microflora.The researcher will also develop and optimize environmentally and economically sustainable disease management solutions. In addition to conducting independent and collaborative research, the incumbent will engage with industry stakeholders, contribute to student mentoring, and support grant development. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate research records, analyzing and synthesizing data, presenting findings at professional meetings, publishing scientific manuscripts, and assisting with routine bacterial disease diagnosis.Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In PositionPhD in plant pathologyExperience in classical and molecular bacteriology with working experience in lab and field based studies are preferred.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Physical DemandsLight liftingStanding and/or sitting for extended periods of time.Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a requirement of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Background Investigation PolicyOffers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.Contact InformationRecruitment ContactContact DetailsFor questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.Recruitment Contact Name Bhabesh Dutta Recruitment Contact Email bhabesh@uga.edu Recruitment Contact PhonePosting Specific QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).Applicant DocumentsRequired DocumentsResume/CVCover LetterUnofficial TranscriptsOptional DocumentsOther Documents #2List of References with Contact InformationOther Documents #1