Post-Doctoral Research Associate for the Institute for Genomics of Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST); IGCAST is a new institute at Texas Tech University that will focus on using state of the art functional genomics to study processes involved in the tolerance to different types of abiotic stress (drought, salinity, heat, cold and low nutrient availability) and in the use of synthetic biology for the improvement of crop abiotic stress tolerance. For more information, visit us at The successful candidate will work in the laboratory of Dr. Madhusudhana Janga.
Position Description: The Janga lab research focuses on the improvement of crop plants using genetic engineering and genomics technologies. The lab is seeking a postdoctoral candidate with a strong experience in plant tissue culture, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.
The ideal candidate will have a track record of success in research, a high motivation to work on the project, experience working with recalcitrant crops for genetic transformation, cloning techniques, and good communication skills. The postdoc will lead the efforts to improve the crop plants by applying NGS based genetic approaches, functional screening, and genetic transformation of several crops.
Major responsibilities
- Independently perform plant transformation and regeneration of transgenic events for several species as needed including cotton, sorghum, maize, soybean, peanut and rice.
- Demonstrated ability to follow defined protocols and work in a team environment.
- Support the transformation pipeline by developing and optimizing improved transformation methods, testing, and validating novel transformation technologies and continuously improving the overall process to increase scale and efficiency
- Generating plant transformation vectors and molecular characterization of the developed transgenic events.
- Work with PTF staff to execute experiments, troubleshoot and develop effective solutions when problems occur
- Involve actively in data analysis, interpretation and developing peer reviewed publications, draft project reports and participate in developing proposals
- Maintain and clean greenhouses, laboratory equipment and growth chambers.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in plant biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology or plant biology with strong experience and interest in plant tissue culture, and genetic engineering.
- Ability to generate transgenic plants in one or two crop plants, generating plant transformation vectors, developing peer reviewed publications, and draft project reports.
Job Type Required Attachments: Full Time Cover Letter, CV Must provide the name, address and contact information for at least three professional references For further inquiries or questions related to posting, please contact: Dr. Madhusudhana Janga mjanga@ttu.edu Institute for Genomics of Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST), Department of Plant & Soil Science, TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY, Lubbock, TX, 79409