USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sugarcane Breeding & Gene Editing

About the role

This unique opportunity offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge sugarcane research, focusing on quantitative genetic analysis on flowering, different traits of importance, family evaluation to enhance crossing, selection efficiency transcriptome analysis, gene editing and molecular breeding techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conducting phenotype trials, taking, organizing data, database related to sugarcane genetics and genomics, nucleic acid analysis.
• Analyzing multi-year genetic datasets using appropriate models to integrate their phenological trends into breeding strategies that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of sugarcane genetic improvement.
• Mapping flowering QTLs, transcription, gene expression analysis
• Designing and conducting experiments in plant tissue culture, regeneration, genetic engineering, and genome editing of sugarcane.
• Creating recombinant DNA constructs, performing plant transformations, and analyzing transformed plants for gene expression.
• Collecting, organizing, and conducting preliminary analyses of experimental data.
• Preparing scientific technical reports, documenting research progress, and contributing to publications.
• Learning methodologies and tools for transformation analysis.
• Helping scientists with trials for CP sugarcane breeding and flower synchronization.
• Staying informed about scientific advancements by engaging with literature, attending supervisor-approved meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Collaborating across disciplines to integrate functional genomics research into sugarcane breeding.

Requirements

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (Plant Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline). Degree must have been received within the past five years or be anticipated to receive by July 31, 2026.

Qualifications

• Statistical quantitative genetic analysis & computing, bioinformatics
• Research experience related to QTL mapping and transcriptome biology
• Demonstrated experience in advanced molecular cloning, plant tissue culture, and/or genome editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas systems) with recalcitrant crops is highly desirable.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications, effective communication skills, and ability to perform both independently and collaboratively

Skills

• Statistical quantitative genetic analysis & computing, bioinformatics
• Research experience related to QTL mapping and transcriptome biology
• Demonstrated experience in advanced molecular cloning, plant tissue culture, and/or genome editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas systems) with recalcitrant crops is highly desirable.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications, effective communication skills, and ability to perform both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

Participants will learn alongside experienced scientists and engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary research to deepen their understanding of sugarcane breeding and molecular biology.

Pay

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $77, 274 annually, plus a health insurance supplement.

Schedule

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Contact

Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.