Postdoctoral Scholar - Buanafina Lab
About The Position
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. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
Requirements
- A Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology or related filed is required
- Demonstrated expertise in molecular cloning, vector construction and genetic transformation
- Ability to manage multiple projects
- Work independently
- Maintain a strong work ethic and high level of self-motivation
Nice To Haves
- Experience with analytical and imaging techniques such as microscopy, LC-MS, FTIR/Raman spectroscopy
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
Benefits
- Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being
- Postdoctoral benefits
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
