Postdoctoral Research Scholar- Biochemistry

Position Information

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Scholar to join an ARPA‑E project focusing on reducing nitrous oxide emissions in corn by integrating ancestral genetics with advanced nitrogen management.

These positions focus on the intersection of germplasm screening and genomic characterization to identify and functionalize alleles derived from teosinte that inhibit microbial nitrogen cycling.

The scholars will lead efforts to mine a newly developed collection of hundreds of Near‑Isogenic Lines (NILs) derived from teosinte accessions to identify loci responsible for Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) and Biological Denitrification Inhibition (BDI).

• Quantitative Genetics & Mapping:
  Performing QTL mapping and fine‑mapping of BNI/BDI traits to identify candidate regions and alleles across varied teosinte taxa.
• Genomic Characterization:
  Utilizing long‑read genome assemblies to perform comparative genomics between teosinte introgression lines and modern maize, characterizing sequence variations that drive the target phenotypes.
• Functional Multi‑omics:
  Integrating RNAseq (transcriptomics) of root and rhizosphere tissues and root metabolomics data to identify causative genes and chemical mechanisms of N2O production.
• High‑Throughput (HT) Phenotyping:
  Help develop new methods to quantify N2O at large scale in greenhouse settings.
• Fluorescent‑based assays of enzyme activity:
  Developing, scaling, and implementing fluorescence based assays for quantifying enzyme activity in soil extracts.

• PhD in quantitative, statistical, and/or molecular genetics; genomics; plant breeding; and/or bioinformatics; or similar/related field.
• Experience in quantitative genetics, genomics, plant breeding, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, and/or molecular genetics.
• Programming experience in R, Python, Bash, or similar programming languages.

• Fundamental knowledge of statistics and experimental design/analysis.
• Experience with high‑performance Linux computing environments.
• Experience designing and performing experiments in the greenhouse, growth chambers, or field.
• Experience designing and implementing fluorescence assays of enzymatic activity in biological systems.

Mon‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Additional duties as required.

Professional development opportunities include mentoring students, writing manuscripts, and engaging with industry stakeholders for technology hand‑off.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

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