The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology is seeking an experienced plant disease diagnostician who also will function as the Director of the multi-disciplinary Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory (P&PDL). The Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory is administratively housed in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology and is an integrated, cooperative effort between the Departments of Botany and Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Agronomy, and Forestry and Natural Resources.  The P&PDL is part of the North Central Region of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN).  The laboratory is well equipped with state-of-the-art, digital web-based light microscopy, conventional and real time PCR, and carbohydrate (BiologTM) analysis equipment. This is a 12-month, 100% Extension, Administrative Professional, non-tenure track appointment.

The successful candidate’s primary responsibility will be to serve as one of two plant disease diagnosticians utilizing molecular, serological, biochemical and traditional methods. Meticulous record keeping, adhering to standard operating procedures, data entry into the Plant Diagnostic Information System (PDIS) database and preparation of written responses describing the diagnosis and the appropriate management recommendations is expected. Collaboration with extension specialists, state regulatory personnel and county extension educators for the diagnosis of plant health problems, development of training programs for Extension Educators, and participation in first detector educational programs for various groups of stakeholders are required activities and often involve statewide travel. The successful applicant will be expected to participate in the National Plant Diagnostic Network and attend professional meetings. Director responsibilities require approximately 25% time and include, among other things, coordination and oversight of all aspects of daily laboratory operations including the compilation of an annual report that summarizes P&PDL activities. Additional responsibilities include supervision of office, student and technical personnel, management of the P&PDL and NC-NPDN budgets; oversight of the P&PDL Webpage and the database for plant disease, insect, nematode, plant and weed identification; cooperation with state and federal regulatory personnel and coordination of P&PDL training sessions for county extension educators. An administrative professional Extension assistant supports the director.

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology required with two years experience in plant disease diagnosis.  Consideration will be given to applicants with a Master’s degree in Plant Pathology plus four years of required work experience.

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent fringe benefit package includes: TIAA-CREF retirement program; medical, life and disability insurance.

The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology is one of 11 academic departments in the College of Agriculture. The department has 28 faculty members (including 4 USDA/ARS adjunct faculty), 40 professional, clerical, and technical staff, and 79 post-doctoral, graduate and undergraduate students. Faculty research is strongly interdisciplinary and varies from applied aspects of weed and disease management to basic physiology, genetics, and molecular biology of plants, pathogens, and host-parasite interactions. The department supports strong extension programs in weed science and plant pathology, including Purdue University's Pesticide Programs and the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory.

Review of applications will begin October 5, 2007 and the position will remain open until filled. Applicants must apply on-line to the Purdue University Human Resource Service <Posting #: 1155.50042311.0708> to complete the university application forms.  In addition, the applicant must provide an application packet to the Search Committee Chair that includes a letter of interest addressing the applicant’s current and future professional interests; curriculum vitae; names, addresses, phone number and e-mail addresses of three references, and their relationship to the applicant. Application packets should be sent electronically as PDF files to:

Dr. Ray D. Martyn
Department of Botany and Plant Pathology
Purdue University
915 W. State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054
(765) 494-4645 (phone)
(765) 494-0363 (fax)
Rmartyn@purdue.edu

For more information about the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University, visit our home page at http://www.btny.purdue.edu.