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• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

 

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

 

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Tomato Genetics and Breeding Program in the Department of Plant Science at The Pennsylvania State University seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct applied tomato research from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Incumbent will:

Serve as the leading researcher advancing tomato breeding objectives at Penn State, including disease resistance, improved fruit‐quality, and other desirable traits, under the supervision of the PI. Oversee laboratory operations by managing procurement and maintenance of equipment, materials, and supplies; administering the lab budget; and recruiting, training, and supervising technical staff. Design and execute experiments in consultation with the PI, to evaluate Penn State experimental F1 hybrids (both processing and fresh-market types: slicer, grape, plum-Roma) in multi-location field and protected-environment (greenhouse, high tunnel) across Pennsylvania and neighboring states, and to drive commercialization of Penn-State-developed tomato cultivars. Further advance Penn State elite tomato breeding lines through iterative selection and self- and cross-pollination, using various plant breeding protocols. Conduct extensive research on tomato bacterial canker (caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis), including controlled disease screening and systematic phenotyping and characterization, application of advanced statistical and genomic data analyses, preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and the development of resistant breeding lines and experimental F1 hybrids for commercialization. Quantify fruit quality parameters (e.g. lycopene, firmness, Brix) using standard biochemical and colorimetric assays (spectrophotometer, refractometer, and HPLC). Travel regionally to evaluate trial sites (approximately 25%); manage collaborations with both public and private industry stakeholders; and communicate findings at field days, extension events, and conferences.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Horticulture or Plant Science – with major focus on Plant Breeding/Genetics and Plant Pathology. Background knowledge and demonstrated experience in tomato genetics and breeding, including field operations, protected cultivation, and familiarity with tomato diseases and abiotic stresses. Background knowledge and demonstrated experience in tomato bacterial diseases, in particular bacterial canker (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis), including pathogen inoculation, disease screening, and selection of improved genotypes. Proficiency in laboratory techniques: aseptic methods, microbial culture methods, biological sampling, DNA extraction and quantification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular marker development. Background knowledge and practical experience in genetic mapping and various techniques of QTL analysis (e.g. SIM, CIM, MIM). Background knowledge and demonstrated experience in statistical analyses, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analyses, principal components analysis (PCA), and genotype x environment (GE) interaction analyses. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting at conferences and seminars. Demonstrated success in grant proposal writing. Willingness to travel regionally and to collaborate directly with tomato growers and researchers in both greenhouse and field settings. Demonstrated experience in recruiting, training, and managing new employees.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. In addition to their application, candidates should submit the following materials: letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and names of three references.  For more information, please contact Dr. Majid Foolad, Professor of Plant Genetics, at mrf5@psu.edu.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

 

 

 

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

 

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

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