Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Plant-Soil-Environment laboratory and the Center for Environmentally Sustainable Mining in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona is seeking a qualified and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate I with expertise in conducting research on plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions, with a specific focus on metal hyperaccumulation and phytoremediation. The lab uses a variety of approaches and combines genetic, phenotypic, and environmental information in an integrated framework to better understand the mechanisms that allow certain plant species to colonize metal contaminated habitats. The selected appointee will coordinate all aspects of research and work independently under the general guidance of PI Dr. Alicja Babst-Kostecka. This is a year-to-year appointment, contingent upon funding and performance.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Investigate the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying metal transport, tolerance, and hyperaccumulation in plants, with a focus on transporter function and adaptive traits.
• Design, plan, and conduct experiments in molecular and cellular plant biology, including gene functional characterization and phenotyping approaches.
• Apply omics-based approaches (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, and polymorphism analyses) to identify and characterize candidate genes involved in metal homeostasis and accumulation.
• Perform laboratory work in molecular biology, including DNA extraction, sample preparation, gene expression analysis, and experiments in heterologous or in planta systems.
• Conduct elemental and imaging analyses using portable XRF or micro-XRF, to assess metal accumulation and spatial distribution in plant tissues.
• Carry out herbarium-based research and field sampling to identify and document metal-hyperaccumulating plant species across various environments.
• Analyze and integrate large-scale biological datasets using statistical and bioinformatics tools to support data interpretation and hypothesis development.
• Manage, curate, and organize experimental datasets and research outputs with a high standard of rigor and reproducibility.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and Master's students in experimental design, laboratory methods, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and contribute to scientific reports, proposals, and collaborative research outputs.
• Present research findings at group meetings, seminars, and international conferences, communicating results effectively to both specialized and broad audiences.
• Organize and coordinate scientific meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement events, at the interface of science, industry, and policy-regulatory communities.
• Collaborate closely with the PI and research partners in developing new research directions and interdisciplinary projects in plant science.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of plant biology, particularly molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms involved in metal transport, homeostasis, and hyperaccumulation.
• Expert knowledge in plant adaptation to metalliferous environments, with a strong understanding of metal tolerance and the variety of hyperaccumulation traits across plant species.
• Strong practical knowledge of molecular and cellular biology approaches, including gene functional characterization, gene expression analysis, and transporter studies.
• Strong practical knowledge of elemental analysis and imaging techniques for studying metal distribution in plants, including portable XRF, micro-XRF, SEM-EDS or PIXE.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor undergraduate and Master's students in research projects, laboratory methods, and data analysis.
• Strong expertise in scientific writing and publishing, with a proven record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver effective oral presentations at team meetings, seminars, and international conferences, and to communicate complex scientific results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Proven ability to work effectively in collaborative and international research environments and to contribute to the development of new interdisciplinary research directions.
• Proficient skill in managing, integrating, and interpreting large and multidimensional biological datasets, including omics and elemental datasets.
• Proficient skill in statistical and bioinformatics tools, including R, for data analysis, visualization, and interpretation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to be available for domestic and international travel, including multi-day fieldwork during the workweek.

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology, or a closely related field, at time of hire.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications, including first-author papers.

• Hands-on experience in plant molecular and cellular biology, including gene functional characterization, omics approaches, and bioinformatics analyses.
• Experience with elemental analysis of field and herbarium plant samples, including use of portable XRF devices.
• Experience organizing professional meetings or workshops involving diverse stakeholders, particularly at the interface of science and policy/regulatory agencies.

Alicja Babst-Kostecka

Assistant Professor

ababstkostecka@arizona.edu