Postdoctoral Research Associate
Oklahoma State University
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Wheat Molecular Genetics and Breeding

Location
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078

Description: A full-time postdoctoral scientist position is available in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, effective August 1, 2006. The successful applicant will design and conduct a three-year USDA-CSREES-CAP (Coordinated Agricultural Project) funded project http://maswheat.ucdavis.edu in Oklahoma, with emphasis on utilization and application of molecular markers in hard winter wheat improvement. Targeted traits may include (but not be limited to) improved adaptability to a dual-purpose (graze-plus-grain) management system, tolerance to aluminum toxicity and acidic soils, resistance to insects and foliar diseases, tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting, and end-use or expanded-use quality enhancement. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to collaborate with OSU's Wheat Improvement Team to clone and characterize the genes responsible for different vernalization requirements in winter wheat using a map-based approach (PNAS 100:6263; Science 303:1607). Collaboration with other wheat breeding programs involved in the CAP project will be expected, especially those in the surrounding hard winter wheat production areas of Texas, Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska.

Qualifications: A Ph.D. in plant genetics, plant breeding, or related discipline is required. Research experience in molecular genetics is required, as is the ability to communicate and write effectively in English. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in winter wheat breeding research, including phenotypic data collection and statistical analysis.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Application procedure: To receive full consideration, submit
1) a one-page letter of application that summarizes your qualifications and experience relative to the project
2) curriculum vitae
3) university transcripts
4) names and addresses of three professional references to:

Dr. Brett Carver (bfc@okstate.edu ) or Dr. Liuling Yan (lyan@mail.pss.okstate.edu ). Applications also may be mailed to Dr. Brett Carver, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, 368 Ag Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-6028.

The position is available 1 August 2006, and applications should be submitted by 30 April 2006.