Postdoctoral Scholar Tomato Genetics and Breeding Program

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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.

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