Remote Plant Genome Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The research labs of Marcia Buanafina in the Department of Biology and Caio Brunharo in the Department of Plant Science are seeking to jointly hire a Postdoctoral Scholar. The postdoctoral scholar will split their time 50/50 between the two labs. The project in Buanafina lab is focused on the functional characterization of putative arabinoxylan feruloyl transferase genes involved in grass cell wall feruloylation and in Brunharo lab in the development of rapid, field-deployable diagnostic tools for herbicide resistance detection in weed populations. Both labs make use of Biochemical and Molecular approaches.

Buanafina lab Responsibilities include:

• Functionally characterize candidate arabinoxylan feruloyl transferase genes using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and targeted overexpression in Brachypodium

• Identify and validate homozygous mutant lines from T-DNA insertion populations through PCR-based genotyping

• Contribute to other ongoing research projects led by the PI

• Collect, document, and analyze experimental data

• Assist in supervising undergraduate students

• Contribute to general laboratory operations and a collaborative research environment

Brunharo lab Responsibilities include:

• Design CRISPR-based detection assays for herbicide resistance

• Develop lateral flow assay platforms that enable field-deployable herbicide resistance diagnosis

• Enhance existing lab-based methods for herbicide resistance detection

• Contribute to general laboratory operations and a collaborative research environment

• Contribute to other ongoing research projects led by the PI and graduate students

• Lead peer-reviewed publications, patents, and Extension articles

Education and Experience:

A Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology or related filed is required, with demonstrated expertise in molecular cloning, vector construction and genetic transformation. Experience with analytical and imaging techniques such as microscopy, LC-MS, FTIR/Raman spectroscopy is a plus. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects, work independently, and maintain a strong work ethic and high level of self-motivation.

Additional Information:

Please include a cover letter that summarizes relevant experience and reasons for interest in the job, along with a C.V. that includes contact information for two references (name, position, mailing address, telephone number, and email address). Review of applications will be immediately and continue until the position has been filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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