USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sugarcane Breeding & Gene Editing

Overview

This unique opportunity offers hands‑on experience in cutting‑edge sugarcane research, focusing on quantitative genetic analysis of flowering, transcriptome analysis, gene editing, and molecular breeding techniques. Participants will help understand factors driving phenotypic variation and support breeding efforts for improved agronomic performance.

• Conduct phenotype trials, collect and organize data, and maintain a database related to sugarcane genetics and genomics.
• Analyze multi‑year genetic datasets using appropriate statistical models to integrate phenological trends into breeding strategies.
• Map flowering QTLs and perform transcription and gene‑expression analysis.
• Design and conduct experiments in plant tissue culture, regeneration, genetic engineering, and genome editing of sugarcane.
• Create recombinant DNA constructs, execute plant transformations, and analyze transformed plants for gene expression.
• Collect, organize, and conduct preliminary analyses of experimental data.
• Prepare scientific technical reports, document research progress, and contribute to publications.
• Learn methodologies and tools for transformation analysis.
• Assist scientists with trials for CP sugarcane breeding and flower synchronization.
• Stay informed about scientific advancements by reviewing literature and attending approved meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate functional genomics research into sugarcane breeding.

• Learn statistical quantitative genetic analysis and use multi‑year morphometric data to enhance crop efficiency.
• Perform transcriptome analysis, conduct transformation, genomics, and bioinformatics to identify and characterize candidate genes.
• Apply induced gene editing techniques to candidate genes.
• Develop skills in conducting, writing, and presenting research.

The mentor for this opportunity is Aliya Momotaz (aliya.momotaz).

Summer 2026 (start date flexible).

The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed subject to funding and recommendation by ARS.

Full‑time.

The participant will receive an annual stipend of $77,274 plus a health‑insurance supplement.

U.S. citizens only.

The qualified candidate should have or be pursuing a doctoral degree in Plant Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline. Degree must have been received within the past five years or be anticipated by July 31, 2026.

• Statistical quantitative genetic analysis, bioinformatics, and computing.
• Research experience in QTL mapping and transcriptome biology.
• Advanced molecular cloning, plant tissue culture, and/or genome editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas) with recalcitrant crops.
• Strong record of peer‑reviewed publications, effective communication, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• U.S. citizen only.
• Doctoral degree received within last 60 months or anticipated by 7/31/2026.
• Discipline(s) of acceptance:
  • Agriculture
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biology (General)
  • Botany
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Genetics, including Genome Sciences
  • Physiology
  • Plant Sciences
• Veteran status:
  Veterans preference for degree received within last 120 months.

Sara Beth