Post-Doctoral Associate

Position Summary:
The successful candidate will utilize modern genomics and bioinformatics tools to advance pennycress genetics and genomics to lay the foundation for future crop improvement efforts. The post doc will study the genetics and genomics of pennycress; establish a consensus pennycress genetic linkage map, integrated with the genome sequence; study genomic variation at the chromosomal level of breeding lines, identify DNA markers for traits of economic interest, and design and implement a modern genomic prediction approach for pennycress and winter camelina improvement.
Post-Doctoral Associates conduct research and/or services that provide further development of career skills or allow them opportunities to learn new research techniques. They are trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda.
Positions are limited to a period of three to five years, depending on training needs. Post-Doctoral Associates receive training while also performing services for the University of Minnesota, for which they are compensated.
Note: These are not positions for which permanent residency can be granted for international appointees.

Job Duties:
40% Create a consensus pennycress linkage map by genotyping and analyzing sequencing data of segregating populations; investigate genetic variation in pennycress breeding germplasm; discovery of DNA markers associated with traits of interests.
20% Study and implement predication platforms using digital phenotyping and/genome-wide DNA sequence data in domestication and varietal development of winter camelina and pennycress
20% Development of publications and presentations to distribute research results to the scientific community and other stakeholders
10% Conceptualize and write grant proposals to cultivate strong extramural support for winter oil seed crop improvement and research
10% Mentor/Supervise graduate and undergraduate students

***Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter are required to be submitted with your application***

Required Qualifications:
* Ph.D. in plant breeding, genetics, or bioinformatics. The individual may be immediate post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and/or retooling.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with genome-wide genotyping data, quantitative genetics, QTL and GWAS mapping, genomic selection modeling, bioinformatics, proficiency in R, Python and/or Linux command line
* Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and library preparation
* Experience working with large-scale datasets
* Ability and experience with plant breeding field data collection and analysis
* Strong communication skills, including non-scientific audiences

Department Overview:
The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strength in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science and crop physiology. Faculty research programs are focused on improvement of traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices for crops that are of key importance to agriculture in the upper Midwest and beyond. Faculty in the department are members of the Applied Plant Sciences,
Plant and Microbial Biology, and other graduate programs. The faculty teach in the Plant Science and Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture interdepartmental undergraduate programs and the Applied Plant Sciences graduate program.

Pay Range: $63,000-$67,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).