Description
Research and study fungi, investigating their evolution, taxonomy, life cycles, morphology, physiology, genetics, and ecological roles, as well as their impacts on health, agriculture, and industry.
- • Develop liaisons with agriculture, forestry, public health, and industry to coordinate fungal research, surveillance, and management.
- • Program and use computers and bioinformatics tools to store, process, and analyze mycological data and sequences.
- • Collect and analyze data on fungal diversity and interactions with hosts, substrates, and environments.
- • Study aquatic and terrestrial fungi and environmental conditions affecting them, such as pollution or nutrient loads.
- • Communicate fungal testing and surveillance results to agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
- • Identify and classify fungi; study their morphology, life cycles, ecology, physiology, nutrition, cultivation, and distribution.
- • Present mycological findings and represent the organization at scientific meetings and conferences.
- • Plan and administer mycology research programs for academia, government, healthcare, agriculture, or biotechnology.
- • Assess impacts of land and water use on fungal communities and plant disease, and develop methods to improve ecosystem health or crop yields using fungi.
- • Measure temperature, humidity, pH, moisture, light, and gas levels to assess conditions influencing fungal growth and sporulation.
- • Teach mycology and mentor students while conducting research in academic settings.
- • Supervise lab and field staff, ensuring quality control, biosafety, and standardized methods in mycological work.
- • Investigate fundamental principles of fungal biology, including evolution, phylogeny, development, anatomy, genetics, and metabolism.
- • Study and manage fungal populations and community dynamics, including invasive or pathogenic species.
- • Prepare requests for proposals, protocols, and statements of work for mycology projects.
- • Prepare plans for sustainable management of fungal resources, such as wild mushroom harvests or mycoforestry initiatives.
- • Develop methods and devices to collect representative fungal specimens, spores, and environmental samples from air, water, soil, and substrates.
- • Develop fungal disease management and mold remediation strategies, and conduct risk assessments for mycotoxins and biosecurity.
- • Prepare technical reports and publications, such as fungal biodiversity assessments, mold inspection findings, and mycotoxin risk reports, and communicate results to stakeholders.
- • Review mycology-related reports and proposals for scientific rigor and compliance with biosafety, environmental, and public health standards.
- • Write grant proposals to secure funding for mycology research and applications.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
