Virginia Tech’s Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center is recruiting a full-time postdoctoral associate to join an award-winning Boxwood Blight Insight Group, consisting of 14 Project Directors (PDs), a team of postdoctoral associates and graduate students, and an Advisory Panel (AP) of industry leaders, as well as many domestic and international collaborators. This team is developing a systems approach to boxwood crop health and production. Boxwood is the No. 1 evergreen shrub crop in the U.S., and an iconic plant in American landscapes, including many historic gardens.

The major research focus of this position could be one of the followings: 1) to expand the ongoing studies on boxwood microbiota of different species/cultivars, plant parts and ages, as well as their associations with cultural practices; 2) to investigate the metabolic potential and microbial function of identified core taxa , 3) elucidate their interactions with boxwood and the blight pathogen, or/and develop synthetic microbial community biosensors or devise new or modify existing cultural practices to manipulate them for maximal benefits including, but not limited to, antagonisms against the blight pathogen, boxwood growth promotion.

This position presents great opportunities for junior scientists to develop and advance professional career by honing their skills and connecting with peers and industry leaderships. Self-motivated scientists with a doctoral degree received no more than four years ago are encouraged to apply.