Please apply at http://www.montana.edu/jobs/professional/14-800.

This position will manage a diagnostic and research laboratory, coordinate and conduct diagnostics for survey efforts in multiple states, and conduct and develop accredited methods for detection of diseases of pulse crops (dry pea, lentil, and chickpea).

This is a new regional diagnostic laboratory that will serve as a clearinghouse for the diagnosis of routine pests and pests of regulatory significance for pulse crops.

This position will run the pulse diagnostic lab in a collaborative effort with the Montana State Seed Laboratory, coordinate sample submission by several states (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska), and conduct testing for diseases of phytosanitary concern including Ditylenchus dipsaci, aster yellows phytoplasma, and Pea enation mosaic virus, among others.

The successful candidate will engage stakeholder groups including the US Dry Pea and Lentil Association, the Northern Pulse Growers Association, State Plant Regulatory Officials, State Plant Health Directors, state seed grower organizations, the American Seed Trade Association, and the Association of Official Seed Certification Agencies, among others.

The candidate will work with the National Seed Health System and the National Plant Diagnostic Network’s STAR-D program to develop and conduct accredited methods for pathogen detection. The successful candidate will provide management recommendations, perform public outreach including presentations, publications, and media appearances, websites, fact sheets, manuscripts and grants as appropriate.

Job renewal is possible depending on funding and work performance.

Specific responsibilities include coordination of multi-state pulse crop disease diagnostics, conducting tests for the issuance of phytosanitary certificates by state and federal regulators, marketing of lab services, visual identification of diseases and abiotic disorders, use of molecular and immunological detection techniques for pathogen identification, standardized detection methodology development including ELISA, solid phase immunoassays, PCR, dsRNA analysis, etc. as appropriate to the pathogen.

Other responsibilities include quality assurance for the laboratory and coordination with accreditation organizations as well as participation in appropriate professional meetings.
This position will involve significant outreach responsibilities to establish the laboratory as a service for the pulse industry.

Please apply at http://www.montana.edu/jobs/professional/14-800.