Plant Transformation Scientist in the Center for Desert Agriculture

We are seeking a dynamic and self-motivated Scientist to establish and lead the Plant Tissue Culture and Transformation team as part of the expansion of the Centre for Desert Agriculture in KAUST. In this hands-on lab-based role, you will work closely with the CDA’s faculty to establish tissue culture, transformation and gene editing protocols for a range of species. The work requires attention to detail, organization, capacity to troubleshoot, and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Major responsibilities

• Develop tissue culture and transformation protocols for multiple species.
• Work closely with CDA scientists to plan and execute tissue culture and transformation experiments.
• Coordinate with consultants and members of the CDA and other stakeholders for the design and expansion of controlled environment facilities for plant growth and tissue culture to meet current and anticipated research needs.
• Accurately record, interpret, and communicate results in technical reports and in oral presentations.
• Responsibility for hiring, supervising and training of research assistants in experimental protocols.
• Maintain an accurate experimental journal and inventory.
• Perform other tasks and duties assigned within the realm of the employee’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of his/her position.

Required competencies

• A proven experience with plant husbandry, tissue culture, transformation and regeneration.
• Experience and understanding of designing and engineering of constructs for transformation and gene editing.
• Experience with building and leading a high performing team.
• Strong communication skills in both written and spoken English.
• An ability to work with a diversity of people in a multi-cultural setting and have a strong commitment to promoting diversity in the workplace.
• An open philosophy to collaboration.
• A curiosity and drive to deliver impactful outcomes.

The CDA is embedded in the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) division (http://bese.kaust.edu.sa ), which extends and supports a multi-disciplinary work environment.  Extensive core laboratories (http://corelabs.kaust.edu.sa ) at KAUST also provide access to the most recent equipment such as imaging, sequencing, and single-cell genomics.

The position is initially limited to 3 years but can be extended.

Other information:
The starting date is flexible. Please indicate approximate starting date.

For further details about the position, please contact: [email protected]

For full consideration, please submit application no later than Dec 1st, 2021.  Positions are open until filled.

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST ) in Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea coastal area of Thuwal, is an international graduate-level research university dedicated to inspiring a new age of scientific achievement that will benefit the region and the world. As an independent and merit-based institution and one of the best-endowed universities in the world, KAUST is becoming a major new contributor to the global network of collaborative research. It will enable researchers from around the globe to work together to solve challenging scientific and technological problems. The admission of students, the appointment, promotion and retention of faculty and staff and all the educational, administrative and other activities of the University shall be conducted on the basis of equality, without regard to race, color, religion or gender.Further information can be found at www.kaust.edu.sa .