Postdoctoral Research Associate Genome Editing in Horticultural Crops

Postdoctoral Research Associate on Genome Editing in Horticultural Crops

As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a varied portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. The department provides graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands‑on learning opportunities using the latest technologies.

It houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences hosts 12 academic departments, 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. It operates 18 research stations that enhance interactions with farmers, stakeholders and industry partners. A strategic plan, Growing Our Future , is available here.

Help initiate the new Genome Editing Center at NCSU by leading one of the first projects and establishing the center’s core capabilities. Execute a project on Sweet potato nematode resistance that aims to deliver a novel trait to a commercial product, enhancing sweet‑potato performance in North Carolina.

• Genome editing trait design in partnership with the head of the genome editing center.
• Pioneering sweet‑potato transformation at the center, including implementing a protocol and generating the first stably transformed events.
• Establishing a routine sweet‑potato transformation platform.
• Delivering hundreds of stably transformed and edited events with characterization of modified, edited and/or cisgenic alleles.
• Developing molecular assays to detect resistance alleles in collaboration with the Genomic Sciences Laboratory.
• Testing for nematode resistance in coordination with nematologists.
• Possibly managing a student or contractor to assist with transformation and genetic characterization.
• Executing the project plan and delivering plants for phenotypic analysis (T1 and T2 generations).
• Interpreting and communicating results to the head of the genome editing center.
• Leading project meetings with the collaboration team to update stakeholders on progress.
• Co‑authoring publications of the results with the team.

Monday to Friday, flexible timing; preferred windows 8:00‑4:30 or 8:30‑5:00.

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (Genetics, Biology, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, etc.).
• Experience conducting independent research in molecular biology and plant transformation.
• Demonstrated excellent work ethic, focus, and motivation to succeed.
• 5+ years of experience in molecular biology and/or plant transformation.
• 3+ years of experience successfully leading projects.
• 1+ year of industry experience with proven ability to execute protocols faithfully.
• Interest or experience in genome editing technology and breeding techniques such as doubled haploids, hybridization, male sterility, double fertilization, and ploidy.
• Desire to execute established protocols rather than tinkering with experimental details.
• Highly motivated individual who strives for excellence and works well on a collaborative team.
• Professional communication skills and punctuality.
• Comfortable in a professional work setting and able to clearly communicate challenges and seek support.
• Valid NC Driver’s License required.

As a Pack member, employees enjoy exclusive benefits designed to enhance personal and professional well‑being. Benefits include:

• Free attendance at non‑revenue generating sporting events.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive equal opportunity for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetics, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University encourages qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Applicants requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. All degrees must be obtained prior to the start date to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify to verify eligibility for employment in the United States.