Position Summary:
The Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to work in dry bean breeding/genetics program. The primary responsibility of this position in the dry bean breeding/genetics program will focus implementing and using new/modern omics tools to increase the selection efficiency of the dry bean breeding program, especially phenomics, genomics, and other omics tools. In addition, this individual will be in charge of the agronomic evaluation and characterization of popping bean germplasm as well as conducting a marker-assisted backcrossing program to introgress disease resistance genes (virus, fungi, and bacteria) into popping bean germplasm. The individual will be expected to be actively involved in all the routine activities of the breeding program, including but not limited to greenhouse, laboratory, and field activities focused on the genetic analysis of breeding and genetic populations and cultivar development by using genotypic and phenotypic data and its applications into dry bean improvement. The individual is expected to publish research results in peer reviewed journals and present at scientific and industry meetings. Reporting and budget management duties will be made in coordination with the project leader. Some opportunities for student advising and teaching will also be available. Project is initially planned for ~2 years with a possibility of a renewal/extension.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Ph.D. in plant sciences, genetics, agronomy, precision agriculture, genomics, phenomics, or closely related field of study.
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Laboratory and greenhouse experience mainly involving DNA extraction and molecular marker techniques with emphasis in SNP platforms, next gen sequencing, high throughput genotyping and phenotyping.
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Demonstrated practical field experience in commercial crop breeding focused on cultivar development and the use and application of omics tools.
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Computer literacy in recording and statistically analyzing large datasets, especially for image-processing, genome-wide association studies, genomic predictions, machine learning, coding and algorithm development, and related technologies.
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Good record of oral presentations and written communication skills.
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Good record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals and other forms.
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Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a multi-cultural research team.
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Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions during the field growing season (spring, summer, fall).
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Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
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Ability to possess or obtain a valid US driver's license.
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Applicant must be legally eligible to work within the US.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Demonstrated experience in phenomics and high throughput phenotyping (HTP).
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Experience handling relational databases.
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Experience in common bean research, breeding, and/or genetics, or any other legume crop species.
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Experience as a supervisor of personnel, and greenhouse management experience.
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Teaching experience.
Advertised salary: $57,000 +
Application Materials Needed:
Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter describing how the stated qualifications are met (applications that fail to include this will not be considered); 2) a detailed curriculum vitae; 3) unofficial academic transcripts from all institutions attended; and 4) contact information (including phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.
Screening Date:
Review of applications will begin on August 4, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!
Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan
Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account
Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire
Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation
Superb Retirement Plan
Basic Term Life Insurance
Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
Paid Leave – including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans
More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, [email protected].
Diversity Statement:
NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.
Veteran’s Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or [email protected].
