Fellow (Post Doc)

The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University is seeking a Fellow Post-Doc in the Tran Lab to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between bacterial pathogenesis and plant immunity responses. Research goals are flexible, but projects in the lab focus on understanding the regulations of plant immunity via membrane nanodomains, microbial effectors biology, and biofilm mechanics that facilitates bacterial virulence. We work on a diverse range of pathosystems, including Arabidopsis, tomato, potato, lettuce, etc. Bacterial pathogens of our special focus are Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas spp., and the plant-associated human pathogen Salmonella enterica.

We are a new lab with research interest uniquely positions at the intersection of bacteriology and plant cell biology. We approach questions in Plant Pathology with various approaches, including advanced live-cell imaging and imagery data analysis, lipidomics, proteomics, RNA-Seq, etc. We thrive to create a collegial and collaborative environment with the goal of helping students and trainees achieve their professional goals and develop into colleagues. Kansas State University and the Department of Plant Pathology offer a supportive community dedicated to professional growth.

A competitive post-doc may have opportunities for external fellowships, such as: NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships; USDA NIFA Postdoctoral Fellowships; Human Frontier in Science fellowship program; Fulbright Scholar Programs and more.

The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University comprises a large and varying group of scientists with excellent reputations in research, teaching, and extension. Our strengths are in applied plant pathology, microbiology, biosecurity, disease diagnosis, management, host-parasite resistance genetics, pathogen and microbe genetics and genomics, genomics and biotechnology. Additional information can be found at http://www.plantpath.k-state.edu. Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, KS, in the scenic tallgrass prairies of the Flint Hills of NE Kansas. Manhattan is 125 miles west of Kansas City and 50 miles west of Topeka. Kansas State University is the nation's first land-grant institution and currently enrolls ~24,000 students. Check the local Convention & Visitors Bureau website (http://www.manhattancvb.org/) for more information.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in plant pathology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, or a related field.
  The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent skills in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology
• Experience working with plants and/or plant pathogenic bacteria
• Experience in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, VIGS, RNAi in model and/or crop plants and single-cell-omics
• Track-record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications
• Highly motivated, independent, and will contribute to an enthusiastic and collegial
  environment
• Experience training and mentoring students in a laboratory setting

Sponsorship eligibility:

This position is eligible for sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter (2-page maximum)
• Curriculum vitae
• A one-page research interest statement highlighting a potential project that aligns your expertise and past experience with one of our lab's interests
• Name, phone, and email for three professional references

Applications close on:March 15, 2026

$48,000 - $55,000