Postdoctoral Associate/Research Scientist - Duguma Lab

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Inc; Missouri; In loco; USD 65.000 - 90.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center seeks a Postdoctoral Associate or Research Scientist to join the HeatSmart Cassava project in Saint Louis, MO. The role focuses on improving photosynthetic performance and resilience of cassava under heat and drought stress through genetic engineering and genome editing.

You will design experiments, apply CRISPR/Cas approaches, characterize engineered plants, analyze data, and contribute to manuscripts and reports while collaborating with national and

Competenze

• PhD in a relevant field required.
• Experience in plant stress physiology and heat/drought responses.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to independently design and manage research projects.
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.

Mansioni

• Design and conduct experiments on heat and drought stress in cassava.
• Apply CRISPR-based genome editing to improve stress tolerance.
• Characterize genetically engineered and edited plants.
• Analyze data and contribute to manuscripts and project reports.
• Coordinate research activities with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet milestones.

Conoscenze

Molecular biology

Plant physiology

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Formazione

PhD in Plant Biology/related field

Strumenti

CRISPR/Cas

RNA-seq analysis

Molecular biology techniques

Descrizione del lavoro

# Postdoctoral Associate/Research Scientist - Duguma LabSaint Louis - Saint Louis, MO 63132## OverviewPosition TypeFull TimeEducation LevelGraduate Degree## DescriptionThe Donald Danforth Plant Science Center seeks a highly motivated **Postdoctoral Associate or Research Scientist** to join the *HeatSmart Cassava* project, focused on improving photosynthetic performance and resilience of cassava under heat and combined heat–drought stress through genetic engineering and genome editing.The successful candidate will conduct research integrating plant stress physiology, photosynthesis, molecular biology, genome editing, and gene expression analysis to develop climate-resilient cassava varieties. This position will report to Dr. Getu Duguma and Dr. Nigel Taylor and collaborate with national and international research partners.**Responsibilities:*** Design and conduct experiments evaluating physiological and photosynthetic responses to heat and drought stress.* Apply molecular biology, genetic engineering, and CRISPR-based genome editing approaches to improve cassava stress tolerance.* Perform molecular and functional characterization of genetically engineered and gene-edited plants.* Analyze experimental data, prepare manuscripts, and contribute to scientific publications and project reports.* Independently design, coordinate, and execute research activities with minimal supervision.* Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to achieve project milestones.**Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:*** Demonstrated experience in molecular biology and plant physiology research.* Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.* Proven ability to independently design, execute, and manage research projects with minimal supervision.* Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.* Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship**Preferred Qualifications:*** Experience in plant stress physiology, particularly heat and drought responses.* Expertise in photosynthesis and physiological measurements.* Experience with CRISPR/Cas genome editing, plant genetic transformation, and molecular characterization of edited plants.* Experience in bioinformatics, particularly RNA-seq and differential gene expression analysis (preferred but not required).## Qualifications**Required Qualifications*** PhD in Plant Biology, Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, or a closely related field.**Submission Instructions:*** Please include a 1–2-page cover letter describing academic background, research experience, research interest, and career goals* CV* Contact information for 3 professional references