Postdoctoral Research Fellow

PURPOSE: Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will support a NASA funded hydroponics and aquaponics project with emphasis on microbiome research in the Bowie State University Genomics, Conservation and Crop Improvement laboratory. The selected candidate will also participate in Banana and Plantains Genomics research and will provide needed support for the Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) program.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will undertake the following activities in all project target areas:

* 'Research Educator/Teacher' responsible for coordinating all microbiome research and hands-on laboratory activities associated with Course Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE).
* Conduct research on multiplication of bananas and plantains using micropropagation/tissue culture techniques
* Conduct hydroponics and aquaponics projects and research with the aim to understand the microbiomes, their role and the nature of microbiome interactions in hydroponic and aquaponics Systems.
* Supervise Undergraduate and Graduate Research and Teaching Assistants (URA, UTA, GRA, GTA) for maximum performance in the plant genomics laboratory and the CURE program.
* Develop an effective gene editing technology for the manipulation of the genome of bananas and plantains for resistance to abiotic and biotic challenges with special focus on creating drought resistant varieties to combat global warming impact in Africa through the use of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology
* Compile technical reports for publication of results in peer reviewed journals.
* Perform any other task assigned by the Principal Investigator (PI).

Minimum Qualifications

Education

* PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Genetics, Plant Breeding or related field preferred.

Experience

* Experience commensurate with job duties

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

* Skills of preparing culture media (growth media, growth regulators, Murashige and Skoog (MS) media) for mass and rapid multiplication of bananas and plantains using suckers.
* Competent in applicability of multiplying bananas and plantains using micropropagation of tissue culture techniques for mass production and maintenance of Musa species within Bowie State University.
* Competent in the use CRISPR/Cas9 technology for gene editing, prediction and development of abiotic (e.g drought) and biotic (e.g Banana bunchy top virus-BBTV) resistant phenotypes in different genomic groups in the genus Musa species.
* Gene cloning, PCR, sequencing, and other bioinformatics related techniques that assist in achieving the set goals
* Designing amplifiable and specific markers to target a gene of interest
* Ability to utilize transformation with Agrobacterium or electroporation or bombardment methodology
* Be able to use R-package and other tools for data analyses, interpretation and reporting
* Proven track record of scientific publications in high quality peer reviewed scientific journals.
* Proactive, innovative and independent problem solver and excellent team player.
* Supervision of students (undergraduates, MSc-students, co-supervise PhD researchers).
* Excellent communication skills, able to interact with a multi-cultural team of researchers
* Ability to deal with high workload and capacity to work under challenging situations.
* Knowledgeable in troubleshooting
* Skills in grant and research proposal writings

Conditions of Employment

Please be advised, COVID-19 vaccinations are encouraged but not required for faculty and staff to be employed at Bowie State University. This protocol is subject to change.

Non-Union Position.

Bowie State University offers an excellent benefits package This includes tuition remission, including eligible dependents, choice of medical/vision plans, Carefirst BC/BS, United Health Care and Kaiser plans, dental, prescription, life insurance, and training and development.

This position is grant-funded. Employment is subject to available funding.

Other

Applications must include cover letter which should address how the background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for AND three professional references (including contact information)