Postdoctoral Associate - Slotkin Lab

Postdoctoral Associate - Slotkin Lab

DONALD DANFORTH PLANT SCIENCE CENTER - OLIVETTE, MO 63132

Position Type Full Time Education Level Graduate Degree

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is seeking an innovative and independent Postdoctoral Associate to contribute to cutting-edge scientific research in plant science and related disciplines. Within the Slotkin Lab, this position will design, build, test and report gene editing designs in crop plants. The position will also use transposable elements to perform custom gene editing in model and crop plants.

The Postdoctoral Associate will independently design and conduct research, contribute to strategic direction-setting, and provide scientific leadership through mentorship, publications, and collaborative engagement. This role offers an opportunity for individuals ready to take the next step toward scientific leadership and recognition in their field.

• Independently design and execute experiments aligned with laboratory goals and scientific objectives
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets; use findings to refine experimental approaches and direct future research
• Investigate the feasibility of applying diverse scientific principles to novel research questions, inventions, or technologies
• Develop, write, and present reports, research papers, and patent applications
• Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) with research grant development and may serve as co-PI on funding proposals
• Provide mentorship and training to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior researchers on experimental design, data analysis, and lab protocols
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and present research at scientific conferences
• Proactively bring forward and implement proposals for new research directions within the scope of lab projects
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the lab's scientific field and related disciplines, and integrate this knowledge into research strategies
• Represent the lab and Danforth Center at external meetings and maintain a growing reputation as an emerging leader in the field
• Effectively communicate research plans and findings both orally and in writing; lead internal meetings or project updates as needed
• Other duties as assigned

• Expertise in a relevant scientific discipline such as plant biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, genomics, or biotechnology
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and direct independent research
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; capable of handling complex and multidisciplinary datasets
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for publications, proposals, and team leadership
• Experience mentoring students or junior staff in research settings
• Track record of scholarly publications and contributions to the scientific community
• Understanding of intellectual property, scientific publishing, and/or research grant processes
• Capacity to think creatively and strategically about new research directions
• Collaborative spirit and the ability to engage with cross-functional and cross-disciplinary teams
• Live the Danforth Center values:
  Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Synthetic Biology or related field.

Submission:

• Cover letter clearly describing interest and career goals
• Resume
• Contact information for three (3) professional references