Postdoctoral Researcher

Louisiana State University

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a grant-funded, non-tenure-track position through March 31, 2028. Continuation depends on job performance, project requirements, and funding availability. The position is based in the School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The researcher will contribute to a USDA-NIFA project focused on improving the sustainability of rice farming. The work aims to unravel molecular mechanisms and develop high-yielding rice breeding lines with improved tolerance to salinity, drought, and heat stresses. The researcher will design experiments to select and validate genomic targets or candidate genes for use with genome-editing tools to improve abiotic stress tolerance in rice. Other duties include publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, presenting research at professional meetings, conferences, and workshops, and mentoring graduate students.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong publication record.
• Organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other laboratory members.
• Experience in plant tissue culture, genetic transformation, and genome editing in any plant species.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with gene editing in rice is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments to select and validate genomic targets or candidate genes for genome editing to improve abiotic stress tolerance in rice.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Present research results at professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Mentor graduate students.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits.
• Multiple medical insurance options.
• Supplemental insurance options, including dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, and long-term care insurance.
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan for eligible childcare and medical expenses.
• University holidays, including 14 holidays per year and typically a week off at Christmas.
• Annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at LSU System campuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree