Postdoctoral Associate - Bravo Lab
The Bravo laboratory at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has an opening for a highly motivated individual to join a team studying symbiotic associations of plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi as a full-time Postdoctoral Associate. Research in the Bravo lab focuses on integrating genetics, genomics, computational, cell and molecular biology approaches to study the evolution and adaptation of AM symbioses, with the goal of harnessing these mutualistic associations to improve agricultural systems.
The successful applicant will combine molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics and microscopy techniques to study the mutually beneficial AM symbiosis. The Postdoctoral Associate will work on a project aimed at characterizing the molecular function of plant genes involved in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in diverse plant species including flowering and non-flowering plants.
Responsibilities:
- Design and carry out experiments to test hypotheses related to the molecular function of plant genes involved in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
- Conduct experiments in the greenhouse and lab to phenotype mutant plants
- Use plant transformation & tissue culture techniques to study gene function
- Write reports as required, communicate findings internally and at professional meetings
- Prepare manuscripts for publication
- Work collaboratively as part of a diverse team, and mentor graduate and/or undergraduate students as appropriate
- Assist in general lab research activities, including plant care and tissue culture maintenance
- Other duties as assigned
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Goal oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment
- Able to organize, multitask their time efficiently and work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and interactive research environment
- Effective communication skills and ability to produce high-quality oral and written research products
- Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Independence in planning and performing routine experiments, data analysis and interpretation of results
- Effective writing and communication skills, meticulous record keeping
- Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship
Qualifications:
- PhD in Plant biology, Genetics, Genomics, or related discipline
Submission:
- Cover letter clearly describing research interest and career goals
- CV
- Contact information for three (3) professional references