Postdoctoral Researcher, C4 Bioenergy Crop Photosynthesis and Stress Response – Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI)

About the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI)

The Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI), a U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center, is a collaboration between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and partner institutions. CABBI is driving scientific discoveries and technologies that support an economically viable and sustainable bioproduct industry.

The CABBI Greenhouse at Research Park is developing efficient ways to grow bioenergy crops, transform biomass into valuable chemicals, and market the resulting bioproducts. It is a research hub for faculty and students and provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates.

About the Role

The Ainsworth lab at the University of Illinois is recruiting a qualified Postdoctoral Researcher through the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) and the Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) to work on research projects within the Feedstock Production Theme of the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation. The postdoctoral position is full-time, 1-year duration, with possibility of annual extension, contingent upon performance and funding. Postdoctoral Research Associate positions may not exceed five years in duration.

CABBI is looking for a postdoctoral scientist with a strong background in plant physiology and plant molecular biology to join its dynamic team of researchers. The successful candidate will collaborate with a vibrant research team to improve the photosynthetic efficiency and abiotic stress tolerance of Miscanthus and other C4 bioenergy species for enhanced biofuel production. The successful candidate will lead efforts to understand genetic variation in the abiotic stress response of Miscanthus, test transgenic lines with value added properties, and contribute to efforts to improve the optimal thermal range of Miscanthus. The specific scientific goals of this position are 1) to identify mechanisms contributing to genetic variation in low and high thermal tolerance in Miscanthus, and 2) collaborate with those developing transgenic Miscanthus to test abiotic stress tolerance in improved lines.

The ideal starting window for this position ranges from January 15 to June 1, 2025, with the preferred start date being as soon as possible.

Qualifications

• The successful postdoctoral candidate will have a Ph.D. in plant physiology, crop sciences, molecular biology or a closely aligned field within the last 10 years
• Experience in plant photosynthesis and transgenic characterization are preferred, as is a proven publication record
• Candidates should aspire to great oral and written communication skills
• Candidates must be willing and able to contribute their expertise and skills in collaborative projects within the Center
• Candidates will be considered if graduation with a Ph.D. is expected by the targeted starting date

Benefits

• Salary range is $45,000 to $55,000 per year
• Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity
• The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave
• Medical benefits are based on eligibility qualifications, including visa status
  • Visa work sponsorship may qualify for this position.

To ensure full consideration, qualified candidates must send a cover letter, CV, and contact information of three references via email to ​ponte1@illinois.edu​. All requested information must be submitted to the above email in order for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Qualified applicants will be immediately reviewed upon receiving the application while the search may continue until the position is filled. Questions related to the positions should be addressed to ainswort@illinois.edu.