Working/Functional Title
Postdoctoral Researcher for Pennycress Drought
Position Summary
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher, Research Associate, to study the molecular, physiological, and omics responses to drought in the field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) to uncover the genes and pathways that control acclimation to drought and use them to engineer drought resistant plants. Field pennycress is an overwintering biofuel crop related to both canola and arabidopsis. The harvested oilseeds have many uses including cooking oil, animal feed, and particularly biojet fuel. As an overwintering cover crop pennycress has many ecosystem services such as increasing biodiversity, preventing erosion, and sequestering carbon, all while being profitable for farmers to sell as biofuel. The goal of the project is to investigate genetic versatility, especially metabolic versatility, against drought to inform future plant metabolic engineering and breeding efforts. This is a highly collaborative project among several pioneering labs in plant physiology, genetics, and computational biology (iPREP).
Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. in plant biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, developmental biology, or a related field. The successful candidate will be familiar with standard techniques in molecular biology including transcriptomics, statistics, and have working experience with plants. A proficiency in programming languages such as R, Perl, and Python is a plus. The successful candidate should also be able to demonstrate independent and critical thinking, excellent communication and teamwork skills, and an enthusiasm for learning new things.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry
Minimum Requirements
Ph.D. in plant biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, developmental biology, or a related field.
Familiarity with standard techniques in molecular biology including transcriptomics, statistics, and have working experience with plants.
Desired Qualifications
Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Perl, and Python
Required Application Materials
CV, cover letter, name and contact information for 3-4 professional references.
Together-we-will Statement
The university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at:
https://msu.edu/together-we-will/Review of Applications Begins On
01/09/2023
Website
https://research.msu.edu/news/rhee-lead-plant-resilience-institute
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
