Postdoctoral Scholar

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Food Science at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct collaborative research in the laboratory of Dr. Misha T. Kwasniewski. This multidisciplinary project investigates the role of environmental factors, genetics, and epigenetics on grapevine adaptation and fruit and wine quality. The research will involve close collaboration with researchers from several other institutions across the United States.

The department of Food Science, where the position will be housed, fosters a strong interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment among faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of plant physiology, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Plant Science, Horticulture, Plant Physiology, or a related field. A strong understanding of plant physiology, experience with metabolomics, and familiarity with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are essential. The successful applicant must demonstrate excellent organizational skills, as the role will require coordinating with collaborators, collecting, receiving, and logging samples, and maintaining detailed experimental records.

In addition to conducting metabolomic and chemical analyses in the lab, the position will involve field sampling, as well as managing field trials on university research plots and at commercial collaborator sites. A strong publication record and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are expected.

The position is a term position and will initially be available for 1 year with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Location:
This position is based in the Department of Food Science at Penn State University, University Park, PA.

Potential Start Date:
May 1, 2025 or until filled.

Applications:
Applications should include a cover letter explaining the applicant's experience in relation to the above criteria, a current CV, and contact information for three references.

Application Review:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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