About this role
Job Description
Position Summary: This post-doctoral researcher will perform bioinformatic analysis of fungal genomes and develop AI software. The job focuses on annotation and analysis of genomes generated as part The Mycological Curriculum for Education and Discovery (MycoED) which is a program aimed at scaling fungal genomics research and training through partnership with undergraduate and graduate level teaching laboratories. In addition to leading independent analysis of Myco-Ed generated data for first-author publication(s), this postdoc will also develop AI and traditional tools for streamlining Myco-Ed student (and faculty) research and provide support for ongoing projects, resulting in authorship on multiple diverse publications.
The Department of Agricultural Biology is committed to excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about insects, plant pathogens, and weeds in agricultural, natural, and urban ecosystems. Our mission is to enhance human well-being by improving ecosystem sustainability. In addition to generating new knowledge, we apply knowledge in entomology, plant pathology, and plant sciences to solving practical problems related to biotic and abiotic plant stress, integrated pest management, and ecosystem health. People in Agricultural Biology participate in and value cooperative and collaborative efforts with other units within the University, as well as with individual stakeholders and other organizations in Colorado and beyond. We hold ourselves to a standard of excellence in teaching, research, extension, and service and act according to the Principles of Community.
For full consideration, please apply by Sunday, November 15, 2026, 11:59pm (MT).
Essential Job Duties:
- Annotate fungal genomes and perform bioinformatic analyses, particularly for understanding genotype-phenotype relationships.
- Construct and maintain advanced AI platforms for research and educational purposes.
- Support diverse Myco-Ed student-driven genomics research projects.
- Develop and maintain new data schema, software and bioinformatics workflows (using Python or otherwise) to facilitate fungal genomics research by students and scientists.
- Lead publication of results and tools in peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and present at Create instructional videos - including introductory materials - describing how to interact with fungal genomics data using pre-existing MycoCosm tools as well as those developed as part of this work.
- Develop web services for improved access to newly constructed tools, data and Myco-Ed resources.
Supervision:
- N/A
Conditions of Employment:
- Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).
- Valid driver's license by employment start date.
- Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date.
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in Bioinformatics or a closely related field.
- Knowledge of various data processing and coding languages (e.g. Python).
- Experience both utilizing and developing AI tools for biological research.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Experience presenting research at scientific meeting and to collaborators.
- Previous experience with generating reports, grant writing, and/or publishing manuscripts.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with fungal genome annotation and/or fungal biology research.
- Experience with SQL and similar databases.
- Experience with teaching and/or with preparation of course materials.
Background checks and equal employment opportunity: Colorado State University is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. The university conducts background checks for finalists. CSU is committed to providing a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students.