The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate or Research Scientist to join the HeatSmart Cassava project, focused on improving photosynthetic performance and resilience of cassava under heat and combined heat-drought stress through genetic engineering and genome editing.

The successful candidate will conduct research integrating plant stress physiology, photosynthesis, molecular biology, genome editing, and gene expression analysis to develop climate-resilient cassava varieties. This position will report to Dr. Getu Duguma and Dr. Nigel Taylor and collaborate with national and international research partners.

Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experiments evaluating physiological and photosynthetic responses to heat and drought stress.
• Apply molecular biology, genetic engineering, and CRISPR-based genome editing approaches to improve cassava stress tolerance.
• Perform molecular and functional characterization of genetically engineered and gene-edited plants.
• Analyze experimental data, prepare manuscripts, and contribute to scientific publications and project reports.
• Independently design, coordinate, and execute research activities with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to achieve project milestones.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in molecular biology and plant physiology research.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Proven ability to independently design, execute, and manage research projects with minimal supervision.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.

• Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in plant stress physiology, particularly heat and drought responses.
• Expertise in photosynthesis and physiological measurements.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas genome editing, plant genetic transformation, and molecular characterization of edited plants.
• Experience in bioinformatics, particularly RNA-seq and differential gene expression analysis (preferred but not required).

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Biology, Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, or a closely related field.

Submission Instructions:

• Please include a 1-2-page cover letter describing academic background, research experience, research interest, and career goals
• CV
• Contact information for 3 professional references