PLANT STRESS LAB – POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

University of Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

PhD

Purpose:
The Plant Stress Lab, under the leadership of Prof Jill Farrant aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of desiccation tolerance in resurrection plants to ultimately apply this knowledge towards the production of drought tolerant crops.  A multidisciplinary Systems Biology approach is utilized in which disciplines of molecular biology (all omics), physiology, cell biology, ecology, microbiology and biotechnology are employed for functional understanding of the phenomenon of vegetative desiccation tolerance and employed towards applied outputs.  We are looking for a plant based microbiologist with experience in omics and associated expertise in bioinformatics required for analysis of such datasets.

Applications are invited for the fellowship from suitably qualified individuals.
The successful applicant will be working with PI’s Profs Jill Farrant, Henk Hilhorst and Suhail Rafudeen and a strong team of fellow PDRF’s on micobiomes specific for resurrection plants and their applications in crop improvement. For further information see our profiles on Academics | University of Cape Town (uct.ac.za)

Conditions:

• Applicants must have completed their doctoral degrees within the last 5 years and may not previously have held a permanent professional or academic post.

• As part of his/her/their professional development, the successful candidate may be required to supervise postgraduate students of the Plant Stress Lab.

• The successful applicant will be required to comply with the university’s approved policies, procedures, and practises for the postdoctoral sector.

Value and tenure:
The value of the fellowship is R 200,000 tenable for 1 year, with options for extension for a further year.

Academic criteria:
Applicants should have qualified with a doctoral degree covering aspects of microbiology,  plant molecular biology and bioinformatics. Demonstration of knowledge of plant physiology is a strong recommendation and affinity with microbiomics is a plus.

The successful applicant will be required to register as a Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cape Town as soon as possible in 2024. 

Application requirements:
Applicants should submit a short description of their research interests, a CV including a publication list, copies of their academic transcripts, and email addresses of at least two references with whom the applicant has worked alongside, was taught by, or was supervised by. Please supply this in one PDF file.

Selection process:
Only eligible and complete applications will be considered by the PI’s of this research.  Qualifying interviews will be given to top candidates.

Closing date:
Applications must be submitted by no later than 31 March, 2024

Contact details for submission of applications and for enquiries please contact Keren Cooper at keren.cooper@uct.ac.za

3/12/24

PLANT STRESS LAB – POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

University of Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

PhD

Purpose:
The Plant Stress Lab, under the leadership of Prof Jill Farrant aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of desiccation tolerance in resurrection plants to ultimately apply this knowledge towards the production of drought tolerant crops.  A multidisciplinary Systems Biology approach is utilized in which disciplines of molecular biology (all omics), physiology, cell biology, ecology, microbiology and biotechnology are employed for functional understanding of the phenomenon of vegetative desiccation tolerance and towards applied outputs.  We are looking for a trained biotechnologist to facilitate transformation of select crops for improved drought tolerance.

Applications are invited for the fellowship from suitably qualified individuals.
The successful applicant will be working with Profs Jill Farrant, Henk Hilhorst and Dr Llewellyn van der Pas from UCT Academics | University of Cape Town (uct.ac.za) and Dr Renato Delmondez De Castro, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Brazil.  The candidate will be responsible for setting up a platform for the transformation of castor bean (Ricinus communis), Bambara bean (Vigna subterranea) and teff (Eragrostis tef) with selected genes/gene pathways identified in our prior research.

Conditions:

• Applicants must have completed their doctoral degrees within the last 5 years and may not previously have held a permanent professional or academic post.

• As part of his/her/their professional development, the successful candidate may be required to supervise postgraduate students of the Plant Stress Lab.

• The successful applicant will be required to comply with the university’s approved policies, procedures, and practises for the postdoctoral sector.

Value and tenure:
The value of the fellowship is R 200,000 tenable for 1 year, with options for extension for a further year.

Academic criteria:
Applicants should have qualified with a doctoral degree covering aspects of plant physiology, molecular biology and biotechnology. They should demonstrate experience in techniques involving gene cloning, protein expression, plant transformation and be familiar with bioinformatic and statistical tools. Expertise in the use of CRISPR technology and plant physiology will be a strong recommendation.

The successful applicant will be required to register as a Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cape Town as soon as possible in 2024. 

Application requirements:
Applicants should submit a short description of their research interests, a CV including a publication list, copies of their academic transcripts, and email addresses of at least two references with whom the applicant has worked alongside, was taught by, or was supervised by. Please supply this in one PDF file.

Selection process:
Only eligible and complete applications will be considered by the PI’s of this research.  Qualifying interviews will be given to top candidates.

Closing date:
Applications must be submitted by no later than 31 March, 2024

Contact details for submission of applications and for enquiries please contact Keren Cooper at keren.cooper@uct.ac.za

3/12/24

Plant Transformation Team Lead

Solis Agrosciences

St. Louis, MO, United States

Solis Agrosciences is a growing AgTech company providing product design and enabling technology platform services to support plant science companies and researchers in accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and commercialization. We are currently seeking a Plant Transformation Team Lead to join our team. We are located in the 39 North Ag Biotech district of St. Louis, Missouri.

Position Summary:
The successful candidate will be an expert in plant tissue culture and transformation technologies, with strong working knowledge of corn and/or soybean cell biology. The successful candidate will lead a small team of plant tissue culture scientists performing both production transformation services as well as transformation technology development. The candidate will work primarily at the bench, collaborating closely with other cell and molecular biologists in a team-oriented, energetic and cross-functional atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities:
Independently perform Agrobacterium based plant transformations and related laboratory work for projects while also collaborating closely with other cell and molecular biologists.
Directly supervise a small team of plant tissue culture scientists, providing guidance, training, and coaching as needed for them to excel.
Drive ongoing efficiency improvements throughout the plant tissue culture process.
Contribute to client project plan development including identifying key milestones and establishing timelines for delivery.
Assist in workflow and capacity planning to maximize resource utilization.
Maintain detailed and organized records of project data and other materials.
Communicate research progress and results regularly, clearly, and in an actionable manner to team members and company leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Must have a minimum of 7 years relevant post-graduate experience in an agtech industry setting specialized in plant tissue culture and transformation. PhD strongly preferred but not required.
Proven track record of success and hands-on experience in plant transformation systems improvement in an ag industry setting.
Highly agile and able to multitask, change course, or take on new assignments as needed to meet timelines and deliver results.
Familiarity with molecular biology, plant gene expression, and transformation vector technologies.
Experienced people manager providing guidance and direction to team members.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in an ag biotech industry setting, preferably within a production laboratory.
Familiarity with gene-editing in plants.
Familiarity with LEAN, 5S, or other process improvement approaches.
Familiarity with project management tools such as Smartsheet and electronic laboratory data management software such as ELN and LIMS.

3/12/24

Tissue Culture Laboratory Supervisor

Ohalo Genetics

Mills River, NC, United States

3+ years hands-on plant tissue culture experience

Ohalo Genetics is seeking a highly motivated Tissue Culture Lab Supervisor to help us optimize and expand our small plant tissue culture lab. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, enthusiastic about hands-on work, and responsible. Prior experience in a plant breeding or plant tissue culture laboratory is necessary and prior supervisory experience is a plus. The tissue culture lab supervisor will work closely with our greenhouse staff and scientists to ensure the overall success of the laboratory.

3/12/24

Postdoctoral Associate – Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS) – Plant Bioengineering Team

The Boyce Thompson Institute- Van Eck Lab

Ithaca, NY, United States

Ph.D.

Description
A postdoctoral associate position is available at The Boyce Thompson Institute, located on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, NY. The postdoctoral associate will be part of an exciting NSF-funded Science and Technology Center (CROPPS) ( https://cropps.cornell.edu/) that is an interdisciplinary and interinstitutional initiative focused on innovative technologies and approaches for two-way communication with plants to be realized.

The postdoctoral associate will be part of a team involved in development of innovative, efficient, and high-throughput plant genetic engineering methodologies, including robotics and automation approaches, especially for the crops (tomato, cotton, maize) that are the focus of CROPPS. A high priority goal is development of in-planta (non-tissue culture) transformation and gene editing approaches that do not require plant tissue culture methods. In parallel with this effort will be investigation of novel plant cell delivery methods. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with groups at the participating institutions along with gaining leadership and mentoring skills as part of CROPPS. Projects will involve collaboration with a vibrant group of engineers and biologists, including roboticists (https://www.mae.cornell.edu/faculty-directory/robert-f-shepherd), biomolecular engineers (https://chemistry.cornell.edu/christopher-alabi) and researchers whose work builds on synthetic biology.

Requirements
  Applicants must have a Ph.D. in molecular biology, plant genetics, plant biology, or related fields. Experience with genome editing technologies, gene construct design, and genetic engineering methodologies is highly desirable. Applicants should be self-motivated, creative, enthusiastic, and be willing to contribute intellectually in a team environment. Excellent communication skills are required.

To apply, please upload a single PDF document to http://bti.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-openings.php?search=true&dept=-1&city=-1&state=-1. This single PDF document should include: 1) a cover letter describing your previous experience, summary of research accomplishments, and interest in this position; 2) your CV, and 3) the names and contact information for three references.

2/5/24

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN, USA

Ph.D.

Funding is available to hire a POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of Agrobacterium-mediated plant genetic transformation. The project involves understanding the trafficking of Agrobacterium T-DNA and associated virulence effector proteins VirD2 and VirE2 as they enter the plant cell, traverse the cytoplasm, and enter the nucleus. Initial funding is for at least 1 year, with renewal possible subject to research progress and availability of funds.

Required experience: A Ph.D. in molecular biology, cellular biology, and/or microbiology. The successful candidate should have extensive knowledge in these areas. The candidate should have experience in confocal microscopy and image analysis, molecular techniques such as DNA cloning, PCR, DNA analysis and genome editing, RNA analysis, and protein purification and analysis. Experience working with plant systems, including plant tissue culture, is preferred but not required. The successful candidate should also have excellent English communication skills, including writing. It is expected that the candidate will be scientifically “mature” and can function both independently and as a team member. We are a basic science/model systems laboratory; please do not apply if your research experience and scientific motivation are merely to genetically transform some plant species with some gene.

Application: Please submit a complete c.v., including academic and research experience, a list of publications and presentations, and the names/contact information for three references. In addition, please submit a one page letter describing your motivation for this position and your future goals. Submit your application to: Dr. Stanton Gelvin, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA; gelvin@purdue.edu.

Laboratory web site: https://www.bio.purdue.edu/People/profile/gelvin.html

Applications will be considered until the position is filled, hopefully by April 1, 2024. We welcome applications from scientists of diverse backgrounds.

E. Desmond Lee and Family Fund Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies

University of Missouri – St. Louis

St. Louis, MO, United States

Ph.D.

We invite nominations of and applications by outstanding scientists for the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies. Successful candidates will have an active research program that incorporates ecology, evolution, and conservation approaches to understanding plant diversity. The appointment will be made in the UMSL Department of Biology at either the associate or full professor rank. This tenured position was established to enhance the partnership between the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Garden, where the professor will have principal investigator status. This position is one of 36 endowed professorships in the Des Lee Collaborative Vision (https://www.umsl.edu/desleecollaborative/index.html),
which are distinct from more traditional academic positions in having a responsibility for community outreach and engagement. Therefore, we seek a broadly interactive colleague who is interested in crossing disciplinary boundaries within science and from science to a broad and diverse community.
The University of Missouri–St. Louis is a leader in partnerships with key institutions in the St. Louis Region, including collaborations with the Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, Danforth Plant Science Center, and others. The Missouri Botanical Garden, with more than 45 PhD scientists, has a renowned research program with field sites in 56 countries, an outstanding library, and a world-class herbarium with more than 8 million plant specimens. This partnership also includes collaboration with the Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center (https://www.umsl.edu/hwec/index.html), which promotes research and education in ecology, evolution, and conservation, and participation in the UMSL Biology graduate program that attracts top scholars from around the world.
The Des Lee Endowed Professor in Botanical Studies is expected to pursue an active
program of research in botany and oversee a laboratory at the University that facilitates the training of students. Areas of particular interest are ecology, evolution, biodiversity studies, restoration ecology, systematics, geospatial approaches, and/or conservation.
The endowed professor will have teaching responsibilities with the Biology
undergraduate and graduate programs. In keeping with the Des Lee Collaborative
Vision, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated interest in, and skills relevant to, engaging scholars outside their focused research specialty and in engaging diverse communities outside the academy. Laboratory and office space will be housed at the University along with access to all research facilities at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The position includes an annual budget in support of the collaboration.
Required qualifications:
·
A PhD in Biology or a related field
·
A productive record of research publications in studies related to plant diversity
·
A strong history of research funding
·
Demonstrated skills in teaching courses in Biology and mentoring research students
Preferred qualifications:
·
A track record of community engagement
·
Experience supporting the success of students from a wide range of diverse backgrounds
The application review process will start in mid-February 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. The position will be available beginning Fall 2024, but the start date is negotiable. For full consideration, candidates must provide a cover letter outlining qualifications and interests, detailed curriculum vitae, statement of current and future research plans, and a statement of experience and plans for outreach consistent with the Des Lee Collaborative vision. Questions may be addressed to Dr. Bethany Zolman (zolmanb@umsl.edu). Formal submission of application materials must be done via the University’s website: www.umsl.jobs. Click on the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies, and follow the instructions provided. Job posting ID is 50233.
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate. In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

1/23/24

Plant Transformation Scientist

Solis Agrosciences

St. Louis, MO, United States

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will be an expert in plant tissue culture, transformation, and editing technologies, with strong working knowledge of both monocot and dicot cell biology applications. The candidate will contribute intellectually to the company’s goals and will work primarily at the bench, collaborating closely with other cell and molecular biologists in a team-oriented, energetic and cross-functional atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities:

Independently perform transformations and related laboratory work for
individual projects while also collaborating closely with other cell and molecular biologists.

Develop and implement novel approaches to plant transformation

Contribute to project plan development and long-range goals of the plant transformation team
   
Maintain detailed and organized records of project data and other materials
   
Communicate research progress and results regularly, clearly and in an actionable manner to team members and company leadership

Required qualifications:

Masters degree in relevant field (Biology, Cell Biology, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, etc) with 7 years of relevant experience OR PhD with 5 years of relevant experience in plant tissue culture and transformation.
   
Curious scientist with a proven track record of success and hands-on experience in plant transformation system development and optimization.
   
Independent self-starter able to perform under tight timelines in a fast-moving startup atmosphere.
   
Highly agile and able to multitask, change course or take on new assignments as needed to meet timelines and deliver results.
   
Excellent planner, organizer, critical thinker, and problem solver able to contingency plan and risk-adjust to drive successful outcomes.
   
Familiarity with molecular biology, plant gene expression and transformation vector technologies.

1/23/24

Research Associate

Forte Protein, Inc

Ithaca and Geneva, New York, United States

Bachelors

Who We Are:
Forte Protein Inc. Is an Upstate New York based startup growing any protein in plants. We are hiring for two early career laboratory research associate positions in Geneva and Ithaca. Bring your talents and join our growing team in our mission to redefine our relationship with the natural world! 

Early Career Opportunity at Forte Protein as Science Research Associate:
Forte Protein Inc. is seeking a talented Research Associate for Microbial Fermentation Development with a passion for downstream processing, protein purification, and functional analysis. The successful candidate will be an integral part of an interdisciplinary group, focusing on the development and optimization of microbial-based recombinant protein expression.

Responsibilities:
Develop and optimize microbial-based recombinant protein expression.
Conduct downstream processing, protein purification, and functional analysis.
Collaborate with a dynamic interdisciplinary team.

This Role May Be for You If You:
Have a strong initiative to implement new technologies and methods.
Exhibit adept technical and problem-solving skills.
Are comfortable working in a collaborative dynamic environment where priorities can change from day to day. 

Minimum Qualifications - Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s (1+ years of experience) or Master’s degree (1+ years of experience) in Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry or a related scientific field.
Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in microbial fermentation, strain development, and product analysis.
Previous experience with running BioFlow/New Brunswick fermenters is preferable.
Prior experience with recombinant proteins production and characterization.

Soft Skills and Attributes:
Comfortably meeting deadlines and working efficiently on routine tasks.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a personalized cover letter, a detailed resume and contact information of three references to Careers@ForteProtein.com with the following tag in the subject line: [LRA Fermentation]. We use an assessment-based hiring process and standardized interviews to ensure fairness and reduce unconscious bias.

Forte will not accept unsolicited submissions or referrals from any third-party vendors, including recruitment agencies; nor will we be liable for any associated costs or charges.

Background Check:
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and pass a comprehensive background check, including a review of financial history, to be considered for this position. Forte Protein Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

1/23/24

Research Associate

Forte Protein, Inc

Ithaca and Geneva, New York, United States

Bachelors

Who We Are:
Forte Protein Inc. Is an Upstate New York based startup growing any protein in plants. We are hiring for two early career laboratory research associate positions in Geneva and Ithaca. Bring your talents and join our growing team in our mission to redefine our relationship with the natural world!

Early Career Opportunity at Forte Protein as Science Research Associate:
We are seeking a highly motivated, early career individual to join the Process Development Team at Forte Protein Inc. The Research Associate will be involved in upstream processes, downstream purification, and process-scale chromatography, as well as tangential flow filtration or process scaling pilot studies. This position entails completing specified tasks with clear objectives and involves expressing and purifying a variety of biologics using both classical and contemporary procedures. The successful candidate should possess experience in general molecular biology, cell biology techniques, some administrative duties and be familiar with automation.

A Typical Day in this Role May Include:
Designing, expressing, purifying, and characterizing recombinant proteins using various host systems (e.g., E. coli and plant cells).
Performing high-throughput molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA isolation, electrophoresis, and ELISA-based assays.
Contributing to the design of process development studies and supporting the drafting of production batch records, written technical reports, and presentations.
Developing and troubleshooting high-throughput protocols.
Accurately and consistently recording experimental methods, materials, and results.
Providing regular progress updates and presenting data at meetings.
Managing the purchasing of chemicals and supplies for the laboratory setup.
Maintaining and reconciling records for purchasing and inventory.

This Role May Be for You If You:
Have a strong initiative to implement new technologies and methods.
Exhibit adept technical and problem-solving skills.
Are comfortable working in a collaborative dynamic environment where priorities can change from day to day.

Minimum Qualifications - Education & Experience:
Bachelor's or master's degree in biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Protein Engineering, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise focusing on protein expression and purification, with at least two years of experience in downstream process development.
Proficiency in AKTA chromatography and filtration techniques.

Soft Skills and Attributes:
Demonstrating strong administrative skills and accountability.
Comfortably meeting deadlines and working efficiently on routine tasks.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Application Process – Deadline February 2, 2024:
Interested candidates should submit a personalized cover letter, a detailed resume and contact information of three references to Careers@ForteProtein.com with the following tag in the subject line: [LRA Downstream]. We use an assessment-based hiring process and standardized interviews to ensure fairness and reduce unconscious bias.

Forte will not accept unsolicited submissions or referrals from any third-party vendors, including recruitment agencies; nor will we be liable for any associated costs or charges.

Background Check:
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and pass a comprehensive background check, including a review of financial history, to be considered for this position. Forte Protein Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

1/23/24

Product Marketing Manager

Solis Agrosciences

St. Louis, MO, United States

The candidate will be responsible for increasing the visibility and awareness of existing services as well as developing new services. You will work together with R&D to define product/service requirements and deliverables. You will define the go-to-market strategy, positioning, key benefits, and target customers. You will launch new services/help develop new solutions based on your industry experience and your contact with customers and prospects. You must have a good understanding of various customer segments and their needs and excel at finding innovative solutions for the broader market. You must possess a unique blend of business and scientific expertise, a big-picture vision, the drive to make that vision a reality and be a highly independent self-starter who enjoys spending time in a fast-paced and highly collaborative startup environment.

1/17/24

Director of Scientific Research

Solis Agrosciences

St. Louis, MO, United States

Ph.D

This role will oversee all aspects of research and development at Solis Agrosciences. Solis undertakes diverse R&D projects on behalf of its clients and develops innovative services and assays for plant biotechnology.

    You will be responsible for overseeing this broad program as well as the scientific staff crucial to its success.
    Specifically, you will manage scientists designing, producing and analyzing gene-edited and transgenic crops and oversee the planning and execution of experiments for all client and internal R&D projects.
    You will interface with Solis’ clients to understand their needs and successfully deliver their projects.
    You will work closely with Solis’ leadership on maintaining the momentum of and refining the strategic direction for Solis’ R&D platform.
    You must enjoy spending time in an extremely fast-paced startup environment, be an outstanding and highly innovative scientist, have a deep understanding of the inner workings of a plant science lab, and be passionate about using this knowledge to deliver quality work product quickly and efficiently.

1/17/24

Postdoctoral Position in Agrobacterium-Plant Interactomics

VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology

Ghent, Belgium

Ph.D.

Description
The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world-leading plant science institute located at the heart of a renowned plant biotechnology campus in Ghent, Belgium. Its mission is to unravel plant biological processes and translate this knowledge into value for society. The ERC-funded lab of Prof. Inge De Clercq aims to understand how plant cells perceive environmental signals (e.g. from attack by pathogens) and translate this into appropriate defence responses. The lab of Dr. Laurens Pauwels focuses on improving genetic engineering of crops such as maize by studying plant regeneration and the interaction of plants with nature’s engineer, Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Please visit us at http://www.psb.ugent.be for more information.

We have secured FWO funding for a postdoctoral researcher as part of a larger collaborative project with the group of Prof. Barbara De Coninck at KU Leuven, who will host a PhD student. Together, you will study novel interactions between Agrobacterium effectors and plant proteins, utilizing the newest techniques in proteomics, such as proximity-dependent labeling. You will also functionally characterize novel plant host proteins in both Zea mays and Arabidopsis thaliana and study the importance of both effectors and host proteins in infection. The project aims at providing a deeper understanding of this intriguing natural interkingdom interaction and may lead to improvements in biotechnological applications.

Profile
You have a PhD in (plant) molecular biology with max. 2 years of postdoc experience
You are an expert in molecular biology and/or plant biotechnology
You have guided (master) students and/or technicians
You have excellent English communication skills

Desirable but not required
Experience with proteomics, interactomics and/or confocal microscopy
One or more first-author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Key personal characteristics
You are proactive in establishing contacts with experts to solve problems and to communicate with other members of the different team(s).
Strong sense of responsibility, maintaining   a clean working environment
Able to accurately compile and document experiments (using an ELN)
You have an affinity for molecular biology and protein-protein interactions.
You have a no-nonsense can-do attitude.
You build team interactions quickly. You feel great in a fun team and add to that spirit.
You communicate clearly, candidly, and respectfully.
You have an interest in sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We offer
A 2+2-year postdoc position
A multidisciplinary, highly stimulating and supporting international research environment at VIB and Ghent University   (UGent)
Access to state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure, including core facilities for proteomics
A collaborative project between two VIB-UGent groups and a group at KU Leuven
Various training opportunities are organized at VIB to broaden your expertise and skills (training.vib.be).
Tentative start date: 1 April 2024

How to apply?
Submit before 1 March 2024 your application through the VIB application tool. Be sure it includes:

A detailed CV
A 1-page letter of intent describing your motivation for this position, your research experiences and future goals.
The names and contact details of two references

1/17/24

Post-Doctoral Associate - Soybean Tissue Culture, Transformation, Gene Editing, and Molecular Genetics

University of Minnesota, Dept of Agronomy and Plant Genetics

Minnesota, USA

Ph.D.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a 100% time on-campus position to perform research on soybean tissue culture, transformation, gene editing, and molecular genetics. The incoming researcher will be part of a team developing improved tissue culture and transformation pipelines for crop legumes, including soybean. The researcher will contribute to ongoing projects in soybean genetics within the research team.

Post-Doctoral Associates conduct research and/or service that provides further development of career skills or allows them opportunities to learn new research techniques. They are trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda. Positions are limited to a period of three to five years, depending on training needs. Post-Doctoral Associates are receiving training while also performing services for the University of Minnesota, for which they are compensated. Annual renewal is dependent upon successful performance and availability of funding.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Genetics, Plant Breeding, or other related field. Individual may be immediate post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and/or retooling. Limited to fields for which post-degree training is necessary for career entry.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience with plant tissue culture, genetics, transformation, gene editing, and/or biochemistry. Proven record in publishing research works.

1/17/24

Post-Doctoral Associate (Soybean Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, & Seed Composition)

University of Minnesota, Dept of Agronomy and Plant Genetics

Minnesota, USA

Ph.D.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a 100% time on-campus position to perform research on soybean molecular genetics, biochemistry, and seed composition traits. The incoming researcher will be part of a team developing new traits and studying gene functions through gene editing, transformation, and phenotyping approaches. The researcher will contribute to ongoing projects in soybean genetics within the research team.

Post-Doctoral Associates conduct research and/or service that provides further development of career skills or allows them opportunities to learn new research techniques. They are trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda. Positions are limited to a period of three to five years, depending on training needs. Post-Doctoral Associates are receiving training while also performing services for the University of Minnesota, for which they are compensated. Annual renewal is dependent upon successful performance and availability of funding.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Genetics, Plant Breeding, or other related field. Individual may be immediate post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and/or retooling. Limited to fields for which post-degree training is necessary for career entry.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Experience with plant molecular genetics, construct development, and biochemistry. Proven record in publishing research works.

1/17/24

Senior Discovery Scientist – Plant Tissue Culture and Transformation

Plastomics, Inc.

St. Louis, MO, USA

Ph.D.

Plastomics (www.plastomics.com) is a game-changing Series A plant biotechnology company pioneering the use of chloroplast genetic engineering to introduce powerful new traits into crops like soybeans and corn. Driven by our recent success, we're seeking a brilliant Senior Discovery Scientist – Plant Tissue Culture and Transformation to join our innovative team and develop the tools and technologies that will propel us further.

Shape the Future of Agriculture:

This is your chance to make a real impact in the world. You'll play a critical role in pushing the boundaries of plant biotechnology, contributing directly to the commercial development of novel agricultural products with the potential to improve yields, sustainability, and nutrition.

Thrive in a Dynamic Environment:

At Plastomics, you'll be surrounded by passionate and like-minded scientists who share your commitment to scientific excellence. You'll work at the bench, collaborating closely with cell and molecular biologists in a dynamic, cross-functional atmosphere. As the company and team grow, leadership opportunities may await those who demonstrate exceptional skills and initiative.

Key Responsibilities:
-- Push the Boundaries of Plant Transformation: Develop and implement groundbreaking approaches to plastid and nuclear transformation in crops, including soybeans and corn.
-- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Play a vital role in collaborative research projects within the transformation team, actively contributing to project planning and long-range goals.
-- Communication is Key: Regularly and clearly communicate your research progress and results to both team members and company leadership.
-- Organization is King: Maintain detailed and organized records of project data and materials, ensuring efficient workflow and knowledge sharing.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

-- Academically Accomplished: A PhD with a minimum of 5 years of relevant post-graduate experience in plant tissue culture and transformation is preferred. We also encourage applications from senior-level "player-coach" candidates with exceptional expertise.
-- Proven Track Record: You possess a demonstrated history of success in optimizing plant transformation systems, ideally in an industrial or large academic setting. Deep experience in corn, soybean or a related row crop species preferred.
-- Independent Spirit: You thrive in fast-paced environments, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities with agility.
-- Master of the Tools: Excellent planning, organization, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a strong ability to execute project tasks efficiently.
-- Bonus Points: Familiarity with molecular biology, plant gene expression, and transformation vector technologies will put you ahead of the pack.

Location & Benefits:

Work in the heart of AgTech! Join us at our vibrant location in St. Louis, Missouri, 39 North Ag Tech district.  Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401k plan, and the potential for company stock options.  Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

Ready to Be a Part of Something Revolutionary?

Plastomics is not just another biotech company. We're a passionate team of pioneers dedicated to transforming agriculture and providing sustainable solutions for a growing world. If you're a talented and driven scientist with a passion for plant biology and a desire to make a real difference, we want to hear from you!

Submit your resume today and join us on this exciting journey!

1/17/24

The Society for In Vitro Biology maintains a Career Center with job postings.

The American Society of Plant Biologists hosts the Plantae Career Center which contains job postings from around the globe.

Undergraduate internship opportunities at Boyce Thompson Institute

Careers at Boyce Thompson Institute

Pairwise brings together leaders in agriculture, technology, and consumer foods to harness the transformative potential of new genomics technologies to create innovative new products. Pairwise is working to develop new varieties of crops, and to partner with organizations that seek to drive innovation across the plant-based economy. 

Growth powered by technology, seeded by people.

At Inari, we’re working to build a more sustainable global food system: From managing population growth, to building the population’s health. From minimizing environmental damage impact, to creating a positive change for the planet. And from exploiting those who feed us, to building wealth for those rural communities.

As the world’s only major agriscience company completely dedicated to agriculture, [Corteva is] building a culture that stays curious, thinks differently, acts boldly and takes a stand on what’s right for our customers, our co-workers, our partners and our planet. We know we’ve got big challenges to solve – we hope you’ll be part of the solution.

[Syngenta] has two divisions, Crop Protection and Seeds, which are focused on providing leading innovations that bring value to our customers.

We help famers grow healthy and affordable food, provide commercial flower growers with wonderful garden blooms that brighten our world, and care for public health with our solutions for professional pest managers. From helping to feed the world sustainably to keeping people safe, we work with a variety of professionals across the value chain to make people’s lives better. Our work really matters.

USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. As the federal government’s official employment site, USAJOBS helps the right people find the right jobs.

Solis is a one-of-a-kind B2B company that offers agtech innovators an on-demand platform for the design, production and characterization of gene edited and transgenic plants. We work in multiple crops including soybean, corn, rice and tomato. Our platform also provides an array of tools in multiple functional areas such as molecular biology/genomics, cell biology, biochemistry and data analytics. At Solis, our goal is to streamline plant science innovation making it faster, better and more capital-efficient.

[At Insignum AgTech,] we enable crops to use their pigments to talk. Farmers get the power to proactively optimize growth no matter which problems nature throws in the way, like diseases, insect pests, or fertility loss.