Skip to main content

Postdoctoral Scholar / Dept. of Plant Pathology / Leveau Lab

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

The Leveau lab at UC Davis (http://leveau.ucdavis.edu) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a collaborative research project to investigate the role of Rhodococcus bacteria in Pistachio Bushy Top Syndrome (PBTS), a disease of economic importance to the California pistachio industry. This project is a close collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Florent Trouillas (Department of Plant Pathology, UC Davis; Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Parlier, California) and funded by the California Pistachio Research Board.


Location: Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis CA 95616, USA


Description: Pistachio Bushy Top Syndrome (PBTS) has emerged in recent years as a new disease of pistachio rootstocks in California. Recent studies have suggested an association of the disease with bacterial pathogens belonging to the genus Rhodococcus. The successful candidate will set up experiments in the laboratory and greenhouse to reproduce PBTS symptoms by inoculating pistachio trees with Rhodococcus isolates from the Leveau/Trouillas culture collection. These isolates were isolated from PBTS-symptomatic and -asymptomatic trees in California, and include bacteria belonging to the plant-pathogenic species Rhodococcus fascians. Furthermore, the successful candidate will develop and/or refine DNA-based protocols for the detection of Rhodococcus in symptomatic tissue and for assessing the natural contamination of field-grown pistachio trees with rhodococcal bacteria. The successful candidate is expected to generate, analyze and interpret data and to prepare progress reports for the funding agency, presentations for various stakeholders, and scientific manuscripts for peer review.

The appointment is for one year with possibility of renewal for up to three years total, subject to satisfactory progress and continued funding. Salary and benefits are consistent with UC Davis policy and commensurate with applicant experience. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376.


Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a recent PhD degree in plant pathology, plant bacteriology, microbiology, or related field. Relevant and demonstrable expertise in good microbiological practice, bacterial culture, plant inoculation methods, and greenhouse experiments is essential. Experience with bacterial genome mining, 16S rRNA community profiling, basic statistics, and/or quantitative PCR are desirable but not required. We are looking for someone who can work independently, with outstanding analytical and interpersonal skills, proficient in written and oral communication, and with a strong publication record.


Application deadline: Applications that are submitted by June 19, 2017, will be guaranteed full consideration; position open until filled.


How to apply: Send a single PDF file as an e-mail attachment to Dr. Johan Leveau (jleveau@ucdavis.edu) with the subject line ‘PBTS postdoc application’. The PDF should contain the following: 1) a cover letter with statement of qualifications and career goals, 2) a CV (including publications and awards), and 3) the names and contact info of at least two references.


UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities.

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco free-campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any property owned or leased by UC Davis -- indoors and outdoors including parking lots and residential spaces.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. including publications and awards

  • Cover Letter - Including Statement of Qualifications and Career Goals

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.

Reference requirements
  • 2-5 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA