Postdoctoral Scholar - Root Crop Physiology
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Job Location:
University Park, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
19-09-2025
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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If you are NOT a current employee or student please click Apply and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneedperformanceand/oravailabilityoffunding.POSITION SPECIFICS
Postdoctoral Scholar Opportunity
Sweetpotato Root System Architecture Carbon Allocation & Stress Physiology
Root and Tuber Crop Lab (RTC Lab) Department of Plant Science Penn State University
Position Summary
The Root and Tuber Crop Lab (RTC Lab) in the Department of Plant Science at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position focused on investigating root system architecture (RSA) root anatomy carbon allocation and sinksource dynamics in sweetpotato under nutrient-limited drought and heat-stressed environments.
This position provides a unique opportunity to lead integrative research combining functional phenomics root hydraulic conductivity measurements carbohydrate metabolism studies and SimRoot modeling to better understand physiological and anatomical mechanisms driving sweetpotato productivity under multiple abiotic stresses.
Key Responsibilities
Design and conduct experiments to characterize root system architecture and anatomy under field and controlled conditions.
Investigate carbon allocation sinksource dynamics and carbohydrate metabolism under nutrient stress and environmental constraints.
Assess root hydraulic conductivity and explore links between water transport nutrient acquisition and plant productivity.
Implement SimRoot modeling to simulate root growth dynamics and performance trade-offs under varying soil conditions.
Integrate physiological anatomical and modeling datasets to identify key traits for improving stress tolerance.
Analyze large multidimensional datasets using advanced statistical and computational approaches.
Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts contribute to grant proposals and present findings at conferences.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers and collaborate with faculty and interdisciplinary teams.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in Plant Science Crop Physiology Agronomy Plant Biology or related discipline.
Expertise in root system architecture plant physiology or root phenotyping.
Strong background in carbon allocation plantsoil interactions and/or nutrient-use efficiency.
Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals and strong scientific communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative cross-disciplinary team.
Selected candidate must posess a U.S. drivers license and will be required to complete a motor vehicle record background check.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with sweetpotato or other root/tuber crops in field and controlled environments.
Familiarity with image-based phenotyping pipelines and root hydraulic measurements.
Experience with SimRoot modeling or other computational frameworks.
Knowledge of nutrient-use efficiency and plant responses to drought and heat stress.
Interest in fostering collaborations across research groups at Penn State and beyond.
Appointment Details
Position Type: Full-time 1-year appointment renewable based on performance and funding.
Start Date: Flexible; preferred Fall 2025.
Location: University Park Pennsylvania.
Salary: Competitive with full Penn State benefits.
Application Instructions
Submit the following materials as a single PDF file:
1. Cover letter describing your research experience interests and career goals.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for three professional references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Contact Information
Luis Duque
Root and Tuber Crop Lab (RTC Lab)
Department of Plant Science
Pennsylvania State University
Email:
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid drivers license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.For more detailed information please visit ourBenefits Page.
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EEO IS THE LAW
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