About this role
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate or Research Scientist to join the HeatSmart Cassava project, focused on improving photosynthetic performance and resilience of cassava under heat and combined heat–drought stress through genetic engineering and genome editing.
The successful candidate will conduct research integrating plant stress physiology, photosynthesis, molecular biology, genome editing, and gene expression analysis to develop climate-resilient cassava varieties. This position will report to Dr. Getu Duguma and Dr. Nigel Taylor and collaborate with national and international research partners.
Responsibilities:
- Design and conduct experiments evaluating physiological and photosynthetic responses to heat and drought stress.
- Apply molecular biology, genetic engineering, and CRISPR-based genome editing approaches to improve cassava stress tolerance.
- Perform molecular and functional characterization of genetically engineered and gene-edited plants.
- Analyze experimental data, prepare manuscripts, and contribute to scientific publications and project reports.
- Independently design, coordinate, and execute research activities with minimal supervision.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to achieve project milestones.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Demonstrated experience in molecular biology and plant physiology research.
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Proven ability to independently design, execute, and manage research projects with minimal supervision.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in plant stress physiology, particularly heat and drought responses.
- Expertise in photosynthesis and physiological measurements.
- Experience with CRISPR/Cas genome editing, plant genetic transformation, and molecular characterization of edited plants.
- Experience in bioinformatics, particularly RNA-seq and differential gene expression analysis (preferred but not required).
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Plant Biology, Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
Submission Instructions:
- Please include a 1–2-page cover letter describing academic background, research experience, research interest, and career goals
- CV
- Contact information for 3 professional references