Postdoctoral Scholar

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

2d

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 influence competitive fitness inside and outside the host and optimize nitrogen fixation. The postdoctoral scholar will identify genetic candidates from existing laboratory experiments, generate modified bacterial strains, and test and analyze downstream effects on plant and rhizobial traits. They will communicate research results through publications and talks. The scholar is also encouraged to develop novel research interests and directions consistent with the lab’s focus on legume-rhizobia interactions in natural and managed landscapes. Mentorship, career-tailored professional development, and support for developing independent research directions are provided.

The initial term appointment is funded for one year from the hire date, with the possibility of reappointment for additional years based on satisfactory performance and available funding. The position is supported by multi-year grants. Before the hire date, the applicant must provide evidence of completion of the Ph.D. requirements and pass standard background checks. The role requires operating a motor vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check. 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 hire date that all requirements for completion of the Ph.D. have been met.
• Successful completion of standard background checks.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to conduct laboratory or greenhouse experiments with plants (Medicago) and rhizobia, ideally Sinorhizobium, Rhizobium, or Bradyrhizobium.
• Experience with genome engineering techniques, including Golden Gate cloning and deletion/addition 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 prior success working independently and in diverse teams.
• Demonstrated interest in mentoring students.
• Track record of first-authored, peer-reviewed publications and successful collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Identify genetic candidates from existing laboratory experiments.
• Generate 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 and directions consistent with the lab’s research theme.
• Operate a motor vehicle as part of job duties.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on the NIH postdoc scale.
• Generous benefits.

What This Job Offers

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