Postdoctoral Associate in Plant Biology

Rutgers The State University

Department: SEBS – Plant Biology

Campus: Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Location: 59 Dudley Road – Foran Hall, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Posting Number: 25FA0695

Position Status: Full Time

Posting Open Date: July 17, 2025

Salary: Minimum $63,968 (final offer commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Position Summary

A postdoctoral associate position is available to study gene expression for important traits in blueberry and cranberry. This position will be housed in the Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers University, New Jersey, within the Vaccinium breeding program of Dr. Gina Sideli.

The successful candidate will also work with Rutgers and USDA-ARS scientists at the Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and contribute to the overall mission of the center.

This position is available immediately to work on multiple research projects including, but not limited to:

1. Understanding organic acid, sugar, and metabolite gene expression in breeding populations.
2. Developing and implementing molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding efforts.
3. Conducting experiments to identify sources of resistance or tolerance to disease.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in plant molecular biology or genetics.
• Record of submitting manuscripts to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• A copy of Ph.D. certification will be required before an official offer is made.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Fluency in English (oral and written) with the ability to effectively communicate research ideas to colleagues and conference audiences.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, and to supervise students in the lab.
• Expertise in molecular biology, DNA/RNA isolation, primer design, cloning, and library preparation.
• Experience using lab equipment such as endpoint PCR and qPCR systems, plate readers, and Nanodrop or Qubit instruments.
• Knowledge of biochemistry and biochemical pathways.
• Experience with GC/LC-MS, bioinformatics, and metabolomics/data analysis is highly desirable.

Certifications/Licenses

• Ph.D. certification required.

Position Details

• Type of Employment: Full time
• Duration: Initial appointment for two years; renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance.
• Starting Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants must apply online through the Rutgers University ROCS system.

Application Link: https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/256245

Required Documents:

1. Cover letter detailing how experience and interests align with the lab’s research goals.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Names and contact information of four professional references.
4. Copy of Ph.D. diploma.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

For questions regarding the position, please contact:
Dr. Gina Sideli – gina.sideli@rutgers.edu

Salary and Benefits

Salary Details: Minimum $63,968 (final offer may vary based on qualifications, experience, expertise, and available funding).

Benefits:
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, which includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and leave programs
• Competitive retirement plans
• Employee and dependent educational benefits
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

For more details, visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview

Additional Information

Campus: Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Cook (RU–New Brunswick)

Pre-employment Screenings:
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements:
Under Rutgers Policy 100.3.1, employees beginning work during Flu Season may be required to provide proof of seasonal influenza vaccination unless granted a medical or religious exemption.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Rutgers University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, marital or domestic partnership status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other category protected by law.

For more information, please see the Non-Discrimination Statement: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement