Research Scientist - Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment

The University of Illinois is hiring a Research Scientist for the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment in Urbana, IL. The role involves advanced research in plant molecular biology, focusing on C4 photosynthesis in sorghum. Responsibilities include leading research efforts, publishing findings, and collaborating with scientists. A Ph.D. in a relevant field and experience in photosynthesis research are required. Benefits include paid leave, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
About the position

The Research Scientist position at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment focuses on conducting advanced research in plant molecular biology, particularly in the area of C4 photosynthesis in sorghum. The role involves leading research efforts, publishing findings, and collaborating with other scientists to enhance understanding of photosynthetic processes and improve crop resilience.

Responsibilities
• Lead efforts in identifying rate limiting processes in the C4 photosynthetic pathway of sorghum and designing and building gene constructs optimized for expression in sorghum.
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• Explore the role of rubisco activase in increasing the thermotolerance of C4 photosynthesis in C4 grasses.
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• Collaborate with those developing models of C4 photosynthesis to test predictions of how rubisco activase may interact with other photosynthetic enzymes.
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• Communicate research progress and results to project team members and external stakeholders, including publishing findings.
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• Publish peer-reviewed publications to disseminate scientific findings and present results at scientific conferences and project meetings.
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• Maintain detailed and organized records of project data and other materials.
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• Recruit, select, and supervise academic hourly workers and undergraduate students assisting with research activities, including providing orientation and training, determining task assignments, and managing performance.

Requirements
• Ph.D. in plant molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, or a closely aligned field.
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• Experience in photosynthesis research, plant physiology, and plant biochemistry.
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• Experience in biochemical and physiological phenotyping using gas exchange, fluorescence, spectroscopy, and root phenotyping techniques.
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• Experience in photosynthetic gas exchange.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in mathematical modeling of photosynthesis.
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• Experience in designing and conducting replicated greenhouse and field experiments.
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• Demonstrated success in the publication of high-impact work in recognized peer-reviewed journals.
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• Substantial post-doctoral experience in photosynthetic crop research.

Benefits
• Paid leave
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• Holidays
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• Health insurance
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• Retirement savings plan
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• Professional development opportunities