Position Summary The Wang Laboratory at Michigan State University is seeking a highly motivated and technically accomplished Postdoctoral Scholar to drive cutting-edge research in soybean genetics and breeding. The successful candidate will apply multi-faceted approaches, causal variant discovery, and molecular breeding tools to advance understanding of host plant resistance in soybean towards white mold resistance and play significant role in soybean breeding program. This is a full-time position embedded in one of the nation's premier soybean genetics programs, offering opportunities for collaborative research, grant co-development, and scientific leadership. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: White Mold Resistance Genetics & Genomics - Design and execute large-scale genetic and genomic studies to identify loci associated with white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) resistance in soybean using genome-wide association studies (GWAS), quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, linkage analysis, and genomic prediction approaches. - Evaluate diverse soybean germplasm, breeding populations, and advanced breeding lines under greenhouse and field conditions to identify novel sources of white mold resistance. - Characterize candidate genes, structural genomic variants, and genomic regions contributing to physiological and genetic resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. - Integrate phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental data to elucidate the genetic architecture and molecular mechanisms underlying white mold resistance. - Conduct population genetics and diversity analyses to identify favorable alleles and breeding signatures for disease resistance across diverse soybean germplasm. - Identify promising resistant soybean lines for release or use as parents for future crosses Soybean Breeding Program Support (Field & Greenhouse) - Actively contribute to the Michigan State University Soybean Breeding and Genetics Program by supporting year-round field, greenhouse, and laboratory breeding operations. - Assist with the development, advancement, and evaluation of breeding populations for disease resistance, seed quality, yield, agronomic performance, and abiotic stress tolerance. - Coordinate and conduct hybridization, population development, seed increase, generation advancement, and selection of breeding lines in greenhouse and field environments. - Plan and execute field trials, disease nurseries, greenhouse experiments, nursery establishment, plot maintenance, phenotypic evaluations, and harvest operations across multiple research locations. - Collect, curate, and manage high-quality phenotypic and genotypic datasets to support breeding decisions, cultivar development, and genomic analyses. - Collaborate with breeders, technicians, graduate students, and research associates to ensure the efficient execution of breeding, greenhouse, laboratory, and field research activities. Disease Phenotyping & Molecular Breeding - Develop, optimize, and implement reliable greenhouse and field phenotyping protocols for screening soybean germplasm against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. - Develop and validate molecular markers associated with white mold resistance for marker-assisted selection and genomic-assisted breeding. - Collaborate with soybean breeders to integrate genomic information and molecular markers into breeding pipelines for the development of improved cultivars. - Support the advancement of elite breeding lines possessing enhanced white mold resistance while maintaining superior yield, seed quality, and agronomic performance. Research Collaboration, Scientific Communication & Funding Publish high-impact research findings in peer-reviewed journals