Job Title Postdoctoral Associate for Field-Based, High-Throughput Phenotyping in Field Crops School of Plant Sciences of

Summary: A postdoctoral associate position is available to work on the application of high-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) and quantitative genetics to understand the genetic basis of stress-adaptive traits in crop plants. This postdoctoral associate position is within the School of Plant Sciences at the located in Tucson, Arizona. The position involves the phenotyping of large genetic mapping populations through the synergistic application of several high-throughput phenotyping platforms including: 1) Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery 2) Ground-based platforms 3) LemnaTech Scanalyzer (largest outdoor gantry system) 4) Novel, hand-held devices The postdoc will leverage these data through application of statistical genetic models to assess trait heritability, genetic correlations, and genotype-by-environment interactions as well as identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for controlling variation in these traits. The ideal candidate will have experience in remote sensing, image processing and analysis, quantitative genetics, linear mixed models, machine learning algorithms, and overall data science. Responsibilities of the postdoc will include but are not limited to: collection of phenotypic data, statistical analysis of data including genetic mapping, and training others including both graduate and undergraduate students. The position will involve collaborating with agricultural engineers, remote sensing scientist, plant breeders, and quantitative geneticists. Salary will be commensurate with experience but is in line with new NSF guidelines. Funding is available for 4 years with the possibility of extension. Qualifications: A PhD. in plant or animal breeding, genetics, statistics, or other related discipline with extensive applied statistical experience. Knowledge and proficiency of programming in both Python and R, image analytical tools (ImageJ/Agisoft), distributed computing are desired as well as experience with remote sensing, geospatial analyses, and statistical genetics. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a documented publication record is important.

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in using remote sensing technology to monitor and assess crop growth through processing and analysis of high-dimensional data sets. The candidate would also have a sound background in the physiological mechanisms plants employ to cope with abiotic stress. Knowledge of plant breeding and quantitative genetics with strong publication history in the field.

Supervision Exercised: The postdoctoral candidate will be responsible for some supervision of graduate and undergraduate students involved in the research. In addition, postdoc will be responsible for training of others in use of analytical tools developed.

Contact Information: Please send a letter of interest in the position, C.V., and contact information for three references to Duke Pauli at: [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About the University of Arizona: Established in 1885, the University of Arizona, the state's land-grant university with two medical schools, produces graduates who are real-world ready through its 100% Engagement initiative. Recognized as a global leader, the UA is also a leader in research, bringing more than $606million in research investment each year, and ranking 21st among all public . The UA is advancing the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships and is a member of the Association of American Universities, the 62 leading public and private research universities. It benefits the state with an estimated economic impact of $8.3 billion annually.

About Tucson, AZ: Tucson is a vibrant “little” city with over 330 days of sunshine year making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts with recreation opportunities abound in the five surrounding mountain ranges reaching elevations of over 9,000 feet. In addition, Tucson’s rich cultural heritage, named a “mini-mecca for the arts” by , boasts over 215 art groups, 30+ art galleries, and over 30 museums. The combination of active lifestyles and dynamic, enriching communities, not to mention the low cost of living, make Tucson an ideal place to live.