The Bart Lab at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is seeking a graduating PhD student or postdoc to fill several postdoctoral positions. Collectively, we study the way that plants, microbes and the environment contribute to plant health. We work on several non-model organisms with a special emphasis on key food security crops and reducing agriculture’s contribution to climate change. Open projects are as follows: 1) We recently described a novel virus resistance locus from cassava, an important food security crop for millions of people (link). We are continuing that work using various plant, virus and experimental systems to investigate the mechanism of resistance. 2) As part of the SINC Center, we are engaged in cross-disciplinary research to identify novel plant growth promoting bacteria and understand the mechanisms that govern colonization and persistence in complex agriculture soils. 3) Using natural genetic diversity, we are elucidating the genetic components that dictate stress prioritization in plants. The successful applicant will join an enthusiastic team and have opportunities for both independent and collaborative research.

To learn more about the Bart Lab, visit our webpage.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research experiments to assess plant-virus interactions
• Maintain precise records of research findings and the analysis of results
• Write reports as required, communicate findings, and prepare manuscripts for publication
• Mentor others and work collaboratively in the lab to learn and aid in other projects
• Present research at professional meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Able to organize, multitask time efficiently and work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and interactive research environment
• Effective writing and communication skills, meticulous record keeping
• Understanding of programming tools to handle large datasets and with thinking quantitatively, additional training in these disciplines will be provided as needed
• Previous experience with molecular biology, microbiology, plant genetics and using programming languages such as R, python and/or other integrative computational methods for data analysis; ideal candidate will have familiarity with several of these disciplines and additional training will be provided as needed
• Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology, Microbial Biology or related field

Submission:

• Cover letter that describes past research experience and future interests within the Bart Laboratory
• CV
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

About the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center:

Founded in 1998, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and charitable contributions from individuals, companies, and foundations.

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. As a federal contractor, the Danforth Center is required to comply with the 2021 Executive Order mandating full vaccination status of employees by December 8, 2021 unless the employee is legally entitled to an accommodation due to physical disability or sincerely held religious belief. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact Human Resources, at 314-587-1033 for further assistance.

About Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

Founded in 1998, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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