Plant Pathology/Genomics

The Biology Department has an opening for a plant pathologist position with a genomics focus to join as a co-Principal Investigator in a team focused on biopreparedness for bioenergy/bioproduct crops funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The team integrates high-throughput (HTP) experimental platforms, computational, and cutting-edge structural and imaging approaches in concert with physiological, biochemical and molecular methods to holistic understanding of the function of genes that determine key responses to biotic and some abiotic stresses in bioenergy crops such as sorghum and poplar. This knowledge is essential for the biosystems design of bioenergy crops for optimal and sustainable growth under changing conditions. The successful candidate will join a dynamic interdisciplinary team of molecular biologists, structural and imaging biologists, geneticists, and biochemists. Plant pathologists with experience in plant genomics and plant stress responses are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates with broad experience in the use of omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics) and integration of these components to provide systems-level understanding of plant disease responses.  This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and characterize response genes to biotic stresses through designing and performing genomic experiments in bioenergy crops (e.g., transcriptomics, genome wide association studies, and/or QTL mapping)
• Use computational (including artificial intelligence and machine learning), physiological, biochemical, or molecular methods to understand gene function
• Utilize unique characterization capabilities of BNL’s NSLS-II X-ray beamlines, Center for Functional Nanomaterials, and the LBMS cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) facilities to achieve objectives
• Collaborate with BNL co-PI and collaborators with respect to multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research
• Publish results of research and development in peer-reviewed, scientific journals
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based research environment is essential.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in plant pathology, genetics, genomics, or a related field
• At least 2 years post-doctoral experience
• Experience in studying plant disease
• Experience in plant genomics
• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated track record of publication of research in high quality peer-reviewed journals and delivery of presentations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in analyzing omics data
• Experience with DOE flagship bioenergy crops such as poplar and sorghum
• Experience in using AI/ML for biological data mining and prediction
• Ability to work collaboratively in team-based research environment.
• Experience in proposal writing and annual reporting on funded projects

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Review of applications begins immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• This is a fully onsite position based at BNL

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $98600 - $131200 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file