Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Essential

Job Duties
- The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology supports teaching, research, and extension programs in fundamental plant biology and microbiology, including basic and applied research, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and outreach to state and national clientele.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The postdoctoral researcher will lead the development and optimization of SCRIBE, a novel programmable reversible transcriptional switch for use in plant systems. The successful candidate will design and generate molecular constructs, optimize transcriptional switch performance using transient expression systems, and implement the technology as a transcriptional recorder of root developmental processes in Arabidopsis. The position involves designing and conducting independent research experiments, analyzing and interpreting experimental data, troubleshooting molecular and genetic approaches, maintaining accurate research documentation, and contributing to manuscripts, grant proposals, and scientific presentations.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with Drs. Alonso and Stepanova while collaborating with laboratory members and external collaborators to advance project objectives.

Other Work/Responsibilities
- In addition to conducting research, the postdoctoral researcher will:
Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and experimental design. Participate in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, and collaborative research activities. Present research findings at laboratory meetings and departmental seminars. Prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to grant proposal development. Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and ensure compliance with laboratory safety and research protocols. Participate in outreach and professional development activities.

Meet regularly with Drs. Alonso and Stepanova to discuss research progress, manuscript preparation, grant writing, mentoring, and career development.

Requirements and Preferences

Department Required Skills
- Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, genetics, or plant biology. Experience designing and executing independent research projects. Strong experimental design, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific data. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple research priorities.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
- Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:
Golden Gate cloning or other modular DNA assembly methods. Synthetic biology, including engineering genetic circuits or programmable gene expression systems. Plant molecular biology and genetics, particularly using Arabidopsis or other model plant systems. Construction and validation of molecular vectors for plant transformation or transient expression assays. Gene expression analysis and reporter-based assays. Root developmental biology, including studies of root growth, patterning, or developmental signaling.

Fluorescence and/or confocal microscopy for imaging fluorescent reporters in living plant tissues. Quantitative image analysis, statistical analysis, or computational analysis of biological data. Scientific writing demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range
- Commensurate with Experience

Job Open Date - 07/16/2026