Postdoctoral Scholar

Penn State University • University Park, IL

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About The Position

The Burghardt Lab in the Plant Science Department at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to study genome editing and validation of bacterial genes involved in beneficial plant-microbe interactions in agroecosystems. The grant-funded research focuses on genetically rewiring rhizobia-legume interactions to affect competitive fitness inside and outside the host and optimize nitrogen fixation. The scholar will identify genetic candidates from existing lab experiments, generate modified bacterial strains, test and analyze downstream effects on plant and rhizobial traits, and communicate findings through publications and talks.

The scholar will also be encouraged to develop and pursue new research directions consistent with the lab’s focus on legume-rhizobia interactions in natural and managed landscapes. The position offers mentorship, career-oriented professional development, and support for developing independent research directions.

The term appointment is initially funded for one year from the hire date, with the possibility of reappointment for additional years depending on satisfactory performance and funding availability. The position requires successful background checks, including a motor vehicle records check, and a valid driver’s license because operating a motor vehicle is part of the job duties. Salary is competitive and based on the NIH postdoctoral scale; benefits are provided.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Microbiology, Biology, or a related field.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience modifying and manipulating bacterial genomes.
• Experience assessing downstream performance effects on both plants and microbes.
• Provide evidence before the effective hire date that all requirements for completion of the Ph.D. have been met.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check, in addition to standard background checks.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to conduct laboratory or greenhouse experiments with Medicago plants and rhizobia, ideally Sinorhizobium, Rhizobium, or Bradyrhizobium.
• Experience with genome engineering techniques, including Golden Gate cloning and deletion or addition of genetic material to alter rhizobial genomes, ideally Sinorhizobium meliloti.
• Experience performing statistical analysis, including generalized linear models and multivariate statistics.
• Experience with functional genomics, bacterial genomes, and bacterial tagging methods.
• Evidence of success working both in diverse teams and independently.
• Demonstrated interest in mentoring students.
• Track record of first-authored, peer-reviewed publications and successful collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Identify genetic candidates using existing laboratory experiments.
• Generate genetically modified bacterial strains in the laboratory.
• Test and analyze downstream effects of genetic modifications on plant and rhizobial traits.
• Communicate research results through publications and talks.
• Develop and pursue novel research interests consistent with the lab’s focus on legume-rhizobia interactions in natural and managed landscapes.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees.
• Generous postdoctoral benefits.

What This Job Offers

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