Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Category: Plant and Soil Science

Type: Full-Time

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Position Number: 00106722

Essential Job Duties:

• Help initiate the new Genome Editing Center at NCSU by leading one of the first projects at the center and by helping to get the center's fundamental capabilities established.
• Execute a project on wheat breeding technology research which aims to deliver a novel tool that will significantly enhance the performance of hybrid wheat, a new type of crop that is being introduced by major seed companies in Europe and in North America in the latter half of this decade.
• Participate in the first formal industry collaboration at the center, which is situated in the Plant Sciences Building on the Centennial campus in Raleigh.
• Genome editing trait design (in partnership with the head of the genome editing center)
• Vector cloning, agrobacterium transformation, vector quality control and agrobacterium colony prep
• Pioneering of wheat transformation at the center, including implementing a protocol and generating the first stably transformed events. Subsequently, 'fixation' of a routine wheat transformation platform
• Delivery of hundreds of stably transformed and edited events with characterization of the edited alleles
• Development of molecular assays to detect the edited alleles in combination with the Genomic Sciences Laboratory (which is also based in the Plant Sciences Building in the lab next door)
• Crossing of genome edited varieties and characterization of offspring phenotypically and genetically
• Possibly managing a student or contractor to help execute the transformation and genetic characterization
• Execution of the project plan and delivery of the plants for phenotypic analysis (T1 and T2 generations).
• Interpretation and communication of the results to the head of the genome editing center
• Leadership of project meetings with the collaboration team to update the company on the progress
• Publication of the results in coordination with the company

Departmental Required Skills:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (Genetics, Biology, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, etc.)
• Experience doing independent research in molecular biology and plant transformation
• Demonstrated excellent work ethic, focus and motivation to succeed

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

• 5+ years of experience in molecular biology and/or plant transformation
• 3+ years of experience successfully leading projects (may be an independent research project)
• 1+ years of industry experience with demonstrated success executing protocols faithfully
• Interest and/or experience in genome editing technology and breeding technology topics such as doubled haploids, hybridization, male sterility, double fertilization, ploidy, etc.
• We are looking for someone who desires to be in a situation where there is already a clear plan and set of protocols that need to be executed, which, in the execution, will set you up to answer bigger questions.
• Highly motivated individual who strives for excellence and wants to be a part of a winning team
• Comfortable in a professional work setting, with punctuality and good communication skills
• Clearly communicates challenges and seeks out support and guidance as needed

Necessary Licenses or Certifications:

N/A

Department:

111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology

Location:

Raleigh, NC