Research Associate: Computational Biologist (Internal Employment Opportunity)

Department: Botany & Plant Pathology Special Instructions to Applicants: This is an Internal Employment Opportunity. When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume/CV; and 2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. 3) Please also attach a Statement of Research. Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience. For additional information please contact: Jeff Chang Email: changj@oregonstate.edu Phone: 541-737-5278 Job Summary: This is an Internal Employment Opportunity The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Research Associate position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. This position exists to support genome-enabled research on Phytophthora and Melissococcus plutonius. The incumbent will be responsible for using computational methods to study genome sequences to infer the evolutionary diversification of the Phytophthora genus and the epidemiology of M. plutonius. College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document. Key Responsibilities: • Uses computational methods to study genome sequences to infer the evolution of Phytophthora. • Uses computational methods to study genome sequences to infer the epidemiology of Melisococcus plutonius • Analyze data/ findings and contribute to publication material. • Mentor students • Assign tasks for student workers Qualifications: Required Qualifications: • PhD in genetics, genomics, computer science, or related fields. • Three years (by start of position) of postdoctoral experience in computational, genome analysis of plant oomycete pathogens and bacterial pathogens. • Research experience with eukaryotic plant pathogens. • Expertise with Phytophthora genomics. • Experience using a high-performance computing (HPC) cluster. • Laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field experience (e.g., molecular biology, organismal biology, plant-microbe interactions). • Demonstrably collaborative. Preferred Qualifications: • Demonstrated productivity, capacity for independent research, and intellectual creativity. • Experience mentoring undergraduate students. • Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and outreach. • Demonstrated commitment to service. Working Conditions/Schedule: Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience. Anticipated Start Date: 2026-12-30 Anticipated End Date: 2027-06-30 We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.