Postdoctoral Research Associate - 500350

ETSU Career Site

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Tianhu Sun Plant Synthetic Biology Lab at East Tennessee State University is seeking a highly motivated, independent researcher for a postdoctoral position. The position is part of the project funded by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) to increase the nutritional value of seeds. The position is initially for one year, but with the possibility of being renewed for additional years.
The Department of Biological Sciences is currently comprised of fifteen faculty members engaged in a wide range of research programs and serves approximately 450 majors and over 40 Master's and Ph.D. students. Our programming, scholarly activities, and academic offerings reflect our shared commitment to understanding and engaging the world around us. We embrace difference and believe it enriches our academic mission. We seek a faculty member who shares our vision.
Further information concerning the department is available at www.etsu.edu/biology.
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students and highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution’s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Requirements

• The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in plant biology, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, or a related field, or be on track to obtain one by the time of hire. The Ph.D. must have been earned within the past four years.
• A strong background in molecular, biochemical, and genetic analysis in plants is essential.
• Candidate should be self-motivated, creative, and capable of working independently on assigned projects.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to collaborate with others are required.
• Knowledge of plant metabolism and metabolic engineering.
• Knowledge and experience in analytical biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and related fields.
• Ability to be independent, communicative, and provide leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in CRISPR-based gene editing and multigene stacking
• Previous experience in machine learning, directed evolution, and enzyme engineering.
• Experience in automated pipetting robots and high-throughput screening
• LC-MS analysis of phytochemicals

Responsibilities

• Conducting experiments, collecting and managing data in the lab and in the greenhouse
• Presenting findings in annual project reports, meetings, and conferences
• Manuscript writing
• Contributing to mentoring graduate and undergraduate students

Benefits

• Regular benefited ETSU employees enjoy a full range of benefits, services, and programs, including paid time off & leave, paid holidays, health and life insurance, retirement, access to university facilities and services, and much more!
• Check out the ETSU Human Resources Benefits page for additional information. https://www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees