PhD position in microbiology and host-pathogen interaction

Department of Biology at Georgia Southern University invites qualified candidates to apply for a PhD position, with research focus on fungal genomics and host-pathogen interaction. The PhD position will be supervised by Dr. Yong Zhang

The PhD position starts in Fall 2026. Teaching & research assistantship is available for competitive candidates. We are seeking motivated candidates with a strong interest in the following research areas:

•        Genomic evolutionary mechanisms underlying fungal adaptation to changing environment
•        Functional diversity of host immune receptors conferring disease resistance to fungal infection
•        Analysis of OMICS data generated from high-throughput technology

Required qualifications
•        B.S. or M.S. in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Mycology, Plant Science, Molecular Biology or related disciplines
•        Knowledge in bioinformatics, computational biology
•        Familiar with Python (or R, Perl)
•        Strong communications skills, self-motivation, and passion for research

Preferred qualifications
•        Hands on experience in OMICS data analysis
•        Proficiency in computer programming and big data management

Application Process
If you are proficient and experienced in at least one or more of the areas listed above, please send emails with your resume/CV, academic transcripts, and a short paragraph of personal statement to Dr. Zhang (yongzhang@georgiasouthern.edu)

About Us

Join Our Team at Georgia Southern!

Georgia Southern is a dynamic university with three vibrant campuses in Hinesville, Savannah and Statesboro serving the communities in Southeast Georgia. With more than 26,000 students and 141 degree programs, Georgia Southern University is the largest comprehensive university south of Atlanta. Whether you are seeking the charm of a small town, the traditions of a historical/urban destination near the beach or supporting our military service members and their families, Georgia Southern offers its students the best of all worlds!
Beyond an ideal location, the Department of Biology is an aspiring leader in biological research and is committed to expanding its faculty expertise in support of the anticipated expansion of biological and biomedical jobs in Southeast Georgia. The department provides a foundation for life-long learning and appreciation of biological processes and biological diversity through teaching, research, and outreach. Three campuses and a variety of off-campus research facilities offer Biology students and faculty access to state-of-the-art equipment in the department (including a genomics core lab) and the COSM Core Research Lab (CCRL).