Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crop Responses to Nighttime Temperature Stress

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crop Responses to Nighttime Temperature Stress

St. Paul Campus
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
Reporting To: Dr. Walid Sadok
U Classification: 9546
In-person position

Position Overview:
A postdoctoral reasearch associate position is available in the Sadok Lab on the topic of crop responses to nighttime temperature (TNight) stress.

The aims of this position are to i) identify TNight thresholds triggering physiological declines in key staple crops and ii) provide insights into the physiological mechanisms underpinning these effects. The incumbent will join a multi-disciplinary team combining expertise in breeding/genomics and crop physiology. The candidate is expected to independently lead and conduct experiments, analyze data, present results to appropriate audiences and lead manuscript writing efforts. The position will offer opportunities for professional development, including training/mentoring students, guest lecturing and contributing to research proposals, depending on the interests of the candidate.

Work Days: Monday - Friday, with some weekends
Total Hours or % Appointment = 100% (40 hours/week)
Position is for one year with the possibility of following years of employment if performance is satisfactory and funding is available.

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must have a recent PhD in Plant Physiology, Plant Biology, Functional Ecology or related field. Candidates with a PhD in Agronomy, Functional Genomics or Plant Breeding/Genetics with relevant skills (see below) are welcome to apply. \
• Experience with growth chamber programming and management.
  Advanced skills in plant physiology research, particularly in plant eco-physiology, specifically using gas exchange equipment, tracking growth/development, and characterizing the plant's environment.
• Good skills in multivariate statistical analysis and excellent ability for writing scripts in R.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to navigate a dynamic inter-disciplinary environment and manage time effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in seed physiology, plant metabolism or biochemistry.

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strength in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science and crop physiology. Faculty research programs are focused on improvement of traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices for crops that are of key importance to agriculture in the upper Midwest. Faculty in the department are members of the Applied Plant Science, and Plant and Microbial Biology graduate programs. The faculty teach in the Plant Science, and Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture interdepartmental undergraduate programs.

Pay Range: $63,000 - $65,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

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