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Form of workThe Baxter and Taylor labs are seeking a Research Scientist to fill a new position at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. The researcher will have primary responsibility for developing effective genotype-flexible genetic transformation systems in sorghum, with secondary efforts for the same in cassava. The successful applicant will also lead the new Plant Biotechnology Innovation Hub. The PBI Hub will support researchers at DDPSC, developing and disseminating best practices, quality-controlled tools, training and advice in plant transformation and genome editing for crop and model species. The candidate will supervise a technician as part of their duties to fulfill these tasks. Interested candidates should provide a resume and cover letter with the names of three references.
Responsibilities:
- Develop effective and reproducible transformation systems for sorghum
- Advise and contribute to development of enhanced, genotype-flexible transformation of cassava
- Guide and supervise technical staff in performing experiments
- Communicate scientific findings and protocols to peers, supervisors and collaborators
- Facilitate the development of best practices in plant transformation, and make available to all DDPSC community researchers
- Develop and maintain plant transformation tools for use by DDPSC researchers
- Train DDPSC researchers in transformation technologies in established crop and model systems
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Experience in the development and application of plant tissue culture and transformation technologies for monocot and dicot species
- Highly skilled in the use of Agrobacterium, with experience of direct gene transfer beneficial
- Proficient in plasmid vector design and troubleshooting for efficient plant transformation
- Highly effective team member able to work productively as part of a diverse team
- Good communication skills with ability to train and help others succeed in plant transformation methods, develop best practices and troubleshoot methods
- Highly organized and able to maintain precise records of research findings and data analysis
- Good written skills to compile reports, communicate findings,
- Work with DDPSC researchers to prepare manuscripts and grant proposals
- Present research at professional meetings
- Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship
Qualifications
Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. is required in one of the following fields in plant science, plant biotechnology or related fields
- 1-3 years postdoctoral research experience in the field of plant transformation technologies.
Submission:
- Applicants should provide a current CV, a cover letter that includes a statement of interest in the position, past research experience an outline of future research goals, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Provide contact information for at least three individuals who can serve as references.
About the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center:
Founded in 1998, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Centers work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and from charitable donations from individuals, companies and foundations.
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities.
