Career Opportunities

Employment Opportunities at CABBI

From postdoctoral and graduate student researchers, to lab technicians, to other support staff, the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation is looking for motivated team players.

Check out this page frequently for the latest position openings!

Current Openings

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) as part of the Sustainability Theme in the U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center (BRC), the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI). The goal of the CABBI Sustainability Theme is to develop the predictive capability to determine which feedstock combinations, regions and land types, market conditions, and biofuels and bioproducts have the potential to support the ecologically and economically sustainable displacement of fossil fuels.

The postdoc is sought to support research on plant-soil-microbe interactions in bioenergy cropping systems (sorghum, sugarcane/energycane, and miscanthus) with regards to carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry. This includes but is not limited to: investigating how highly productive perennial grasses alter deep soil carbon cycling; assessing how drought tolerance traits can reduce the carbon intensity of bioenergy crop production; and determining how oil-enhanced bioenergy crops alter soil carbon and nitrogen cycling. Job duties include designing and conducting field and laboratory experiments, developing and testing innovative stable isotope approaches to investigate plant-soil-microbe interactions in the new CABBI Stable Isotope Labeling Facility, coordinating research activities with a large team of collaborators, mentoring graduate students, supervising technicians and undergraduates, writing manuscripts, and presenting at scientific conferences.

The postdoc will work with Dr. Wendy Yang and will collaborate with other researchers in the CABBI Sustainability, Feedstock Production, and Conversion Themes, including ecosystem modelers, microbial ecologists, and agronomists. The postdoc will work in the Institute for Genomic Biology with the other UIUC-based CABBI researchers to facilitate these collaborative interactions and help build a strong community of postdocs and graduate students.

Required Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. or the equivalent in ecology, biogeochemistry, soil science, or related field
  • Experience with natural abundance or tracer stable isotope techniques
  • Experience with laboratory and field research
  • Strong English writing and oral communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment
  • A valid driver’s license

Strong candidates will also possess the following attributes:

  • Experience with method development or tinkering with major instrumentation (e.g., isotope ratio mass spectrometer, quantum cascade laser spectrometer)
  • Creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things.

The position is available for three years; however, annual renewal is dependent on funding and progress made by the individual. This position includes a competitive salary. Various benefits are available dependent on U.S. citizenship or visa status.

Application review will begin March 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, but ideally by May 15, 2024. Applications should include a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references. Please put “CABBI Plant-Soil-Microbe Postdoc Application” in the subject line of your email to Anna Fedders, the CABBI Sustainability Theme Research Coordinator, afedder2@illinois.edu.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Wendy Yang at yangw@illinois.edu.

Illinois is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu)

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

The Gomez-Casanovas Lab seeks a Research Associate to assist with research related to regenerative system ecology and climate-smart agriculture. The successful candidate will join the Texas A&M AgriLife center in Vernon, Texas under the supervision of Nuria Gomez-Casanovas, Assistant Professor.

The successful applicant will perform independent roles in research projects in regenerative system ecology and climate-smart agriculture. Research activities will require an advanced level of knowledge in these fields and will require consistent use of discretion and judgement. The successful candidate will operate research equipment and help supervise graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research.

The Gomez-Casanovas Lab combines novel lab, field, and modeling experiments in a holistic way to advance science at the nexus of Food, Energy, and Environmental Security. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant and diverse research community promoting a culture of collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Our focus is to find answers to one of today’s grand challenges: How can we sustainably provide sufficient food, feed, and energy as the population continues to grow while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of agricultural and managed land? The successful candidate will contribute to projects: 1) investigating how invasive woody species removal, native vegetation restoration, and smart-climate strategies affect the C cycling of grassland ecosystems in Texas; and, 2) studying how climate-change resilient plant traits affect the biogeochemistry of canes in the Southern US.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plan, conduct and coordinate experiments in support of various research projects in regenerative system ecology and climate-smart agriculture.
  • Evaluate, select, and apply standard techniques of routine research including state-of-the-art scientific methods (canopy/soil/lab-based exchange chamber and stable isotopes methods, eddy covariance, biometric and biogeochemical methods)
  • Keep detailed records of data.
  • Use computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.
  • Summarize results for inclusion in scientific and clientele-oriented publications.
  • Maintain financial accounts related to research projects.
  • Help supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research.
  • Install, operate and/or repair research equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
  • Two years of related professional experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to effectively analyze information and make reasoned judgments
  • Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment including state-of-the-art scientific methods (canopy/soil/lab-based exchange chamber and stable isotopes methods, eddy covariance, biometric and biogeochemical methods)
  • Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks.
  • Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should upload

  1. A cover letter clearly explaining your research interests/experience and suitability for the advertised position (2 pages maximum)
  2. A resume or CV, and
  3. Names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references

 TO: https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/AgriLife_Research_External/details/Research-Associate_R-069898?q=vernon

 The position will remain open until filled. Contact Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via email (nuri.gomez-casanovas@ag.tamu.edu) with subject line ‘Research Associate_ R-069898’ for more information.

CABBI seeks to hire a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Lab of Nuria Gomez-Casanovas at Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Vernon, TX. We seek a highly motivated and qualified researcher to assist the project leader (Assistant Professor in Regenerative System Ecology) in research projects related to investigating smart-climate solutions for cane cultivation in the Southern United States.

The successful candidate will contribute to groundbreaking research in understanding how climate-smart strategies (green harvest and biochar amendments) affect the biogeochemistry of cane in the Southeast US. The position is funded by the Sustainability Theme in the U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center (BRC), Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI). The Lab combines novel lab, field and modeling experiments in a holistic way to advance science at the nexus of Food, Energy and Environmental Security. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant and diverse research community (59 faculty-level Co-PIs, 184 postdocs and technicians, and 143 students) promoting a culture of collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Our focus is to find answers to one of today’s grand challenges: How can we provide sustainable sources of energy that meet societal needs as the population continues to grow?

Responsibilities

  • Design and conduct field and laboratory experiments with focus on carbon, nitrogen and water biogeochemistry using an array of state-of-the-art scientific methods (biometric, canopy/soil exchange chamber and stable isotopes).
  • Supervise technicians and undergraduates.
  • Coordinate research activities with a large team of collaborators.
  • Present data in scientific meetings.
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication.

Required Education and Experience

  • A Ph.D. or the equivalent in ecology, biogeochemistry, soil science, or related field
  • Experience with laboratory and field work
  • Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent English writing and oral communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment
  • Ability to multitask
  • Ability to travel/drive to research sites in Florida and locations in the Southeast US
  • Basic statistical skills

 

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Experience in quantitative approaches including eddy covariance technique as well as stable isotope, plant/soil/canopy exchange methods. 
  • Experience working with bioenergy crops. 
  • Ability to engage in modeling activities.
  • Basic programming skills (R, Python…)

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should upload

  1. A cover letter clearly explaining your research interests/experience and suitability for the advertised position (2 pages maximum)
  2. A resume or CV, and
  3. Names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references

 TO: https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/AgriLife_Research_External/job/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate_R-069899

 The position will remain open until filled. Contact Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via email (nuri.gomez-casanovas@ag.tamu.edu) with subject line ‘Postdoctoral Research Associate_ R-069899’ for more information.

 

DESCRIPTION

Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch (BIR), and Texas A&M (TAMU) seek a full-time technician to work in a collaborative effort integrated within the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI), a $115 million initiative by the US Department of Energy for the development of a sustainable bioenergy industry.

The research will be conducted at BIR, a biological station that operates as a full-scale working cattle ranch providing a unique platform for long-term agro-ecology research. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas (Assistant Professor in Regenerative System Ecology, TAMU), in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Boughton (BIR).

The project investigates the environmental sustainability of sugarcane for biofuel production. Key objectives are to: (1) Characterize the impact of sugarcane cultivation on the regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs; CO2, CH4 and N2O) compared to managed grazed pasture; (2) Quantify the efficiency at which sugarcane and pastures use water resources; and, (3) explore the impact of sugarcane cultivation on nitrogen and phosphorus losses versus pasture.

The Position:

This is a non-tenured, full-time, 12-month position with a starting date between February 1-15, 2024. It can be renewed annually for an additional two years, contingent on progress and the availability of funds. Duties may change as contract or grant turnover occurs. Competitive salary with full benefits.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn basic biogeochemistry skills and gain experience with a wide range of research techniques and equipment, both in the field and in the laboratory, as well as contribute to data compilation, processing, and analysis depending on experience. Field work includes assisting with the maintenance of eddy covariance towers – a state of the art method for high frequency monitoring of ecosystem greenhouse gas exchange –, direct measurements of soil CO2 and non-CO2 trace gas emissions, and soil, water and biomass (plant) sampling. In the lab, the technician will aid with soil, water, and biomass sample processing, and preparing and maintaining field equipment and supplies. The successful candidate will train and supervise research interns that assist with field and lab work.

Required qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or related field
  • Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel).

Preferred qualifications

  • Field and laboratory research experience related to biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil and water sampling, gas chromatography, eddy covariance)
  • Experience working on farms and with farmers
  • Experience working in subtropical and tropical sugarcane plantations and rangeland
  • Demonstrated knowledge of troubleshooting environmental monitoring equipment

The Station:

The position is located at BIR, a 10,500-acre cattle ranch near Lake Placid, FL, with potential shared housing available on site. Here are two documentaries about Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6_WhY3aZB0 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGV_G6dnYHg ).  Buck Island Ranch is separated from the main Archbold Biological Station by about 20 miles.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should email 1) a letter of application, 2) a resume or CV with relevant coursework and experience, and 3) names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references to Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas at nuri.gomez-casanovas@ag.tamu.edu with subject line ‘CABBI Project Technician.’

Application deadline is January 7th, 2024. The position will remain open until filled. Contact Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via e-mail for more information. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Archbold Expeditions is committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into our organization. Archbold does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ability, ethnicity, political ideology, religion, national origin, and all other classifications protected by federal, state, or local law.

Archbold Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups

Please fill out this anonymous survey to contribute to our applicant database. Your responses will not be associated with your application or shared with hiring managers.

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

CABBI is seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates in the Jeremy Guest Research Group at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We are seeking qualified and motivated researchers to advance the sustainable design and deployment of biorefineries for the production of biofuels and bioproducts from novel feedstocks.

The successful applicants will integrate process modeling with techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) under uncertainty to evaluate and prioritize research and development pathways for candidate products and processes in development by CABBI researchers and researchers from other DOE Bioenergy Research Centers. The postdocs will be in Dr. Guest’s research group, housed at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, and will collaborate with a strong cohort of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Crop Sciences, Plant Biology, ACES (Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences), and other disciplines across the Feedstock Production, Conversion, and Sustainability Themes of CABBI.

The duties of the postdocs will focus on life cycle assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis (TEA), and (depending on their interests and expertise) modeling feedstock production or biorefinery operations (i.e., biological and thermochemical conversions, separations, and related processes). In addition to detailed sustainability evaluations of technologies and feedstocks under development by the CABBI and the DOE, a target outcome of the work is to continue to develop a suite of open-source, accessible computational tools for rapid and robust TEA and LCA of candidate feedstocks, bioproducts/biofuels, and processes (BioSTEAM Development Group; https://github.com/BioSTEAMDevelopmentGroup). Expertise in some of the following areas is desired: LCA, TEA, conversions, separations, or programming in Python.

Required Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or other relevant field;
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment

Strong candidates will also possess some of the following attributes:

  • Experience with LCA and tools such as GREET or openLCA;
  • Experience with process engineering and simulation;
  • Experience with programming;
  • Evidence of scientific impact of their Ph.D. (e.g., published papers).

Postdoc applications will be reviewed as they are received until the positions are filled. Prospective postdocs should email the following materials to Prof. Jeremy Guest (jsguest@illinois.edu) with the subject line “CABBI Postdoc”: brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three references, and up to two examples of scholarly output (e.g., published or submitted manuscripts). Preferred start dates are between July 1 and Sept, 1, 2023, but later in 2023 is also possible, as is the potential to start remotely. Positions are available for multiple years; however, annual renewal is dependent on funding, progress made by the individual, and career goals of the individual (mentoring plans will be tailored to meet the individual’s goals). All positions include a salary of $53,000-$55,000 per year and generous leave benefits. Eligible candidates will also receive a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement benefits.

For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Jeremy Guest, jsguest@illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

CABBI is seeking full-time academic hourly workers in a plant breeding environment. Successful candidates will work on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus and at the Illinois Energy Farm, south of campus. The work is in a plant breeding laboratory with bioenergy grasses including Miscanthus, sugarcane and their hybrids, to support a sustainable bioeconomy.

Responsibilities for the position:

  • Conduct experiments on plant breeding and genetics of perennial grasses. Propagate and grow plants in the field, greenhouses and growth chambers.
  • Collect data from research experiments, including use of high-throughput systems such as tablet computers, barcode readers, Bluetooth-enabled measuring devices.
  • Tasks may also include dividing plants, repotting, tying up plants to stakes and cages in greenhouse, planting seed, transplanting seedlings in the field, mowing and weeding, operating irrigation equipment, operating and maintaining small equipment, labeling with accuracy, sampling plants, harvesting stems, harvesting plots in field, making crosses, harvesting and packing seed, digging up selections from the field, taking and entering data.

B.S. in Plant Science or related field required. Experience doing farm work, greenhouse work, and/or plant science experiments desired. Must be willing to work outside in heat or cold. Rate of pay starts at $15/hour.

TO APPLY: Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information to Brent Berns, bdberns@illinois.edu.  Applications will be evaluated as they are received.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Other pre-employment assessments may be required, depending on the classification of Civil Service employment.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.

The Plant Molecular Physiology lab at University of Florida, headed by Professor Fredy Altpeter, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate with experience in plant genetic engineering, molecular biology and project management to join our team. The research program focuses on designing feedstocks for biofuels and bioproducts using the CABBI “plants as factories” concept.

The successful candidate will apply existing CRISPR‐Cas9 systems to validate targets for crop improvement, develop multiplex genome editing strategies and transgenic approaches for metabolic engineering, and characterize genetically modified events under controlled environment and field conditions similar in scope to our recent publications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27306903http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12411/epdf; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12833/full.

Extensive background in molecular genetics is essential, including analysis of RNAseq data, design and construction of complex vectors, plant tissue culture, biolistic gene transfer, molecular and phenotypic characterization of transgenic plants. Knowledge in plant metabolism, physiology and genomic regulation is desirable. This work requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English as well as excellent writing skills as demonstrated by a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Please email your resume, cover letter, and contact information of  three references to the PI, altpeter@ufl.edu. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Salary will be competitive and includes benefits.

Application review will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Start date is flexible.

Selected publications related to this position:

  • Parajuli, S., Kannan, B., Karan, R., Liu, H., Garcia-Ruiz, E., Kumar, D., Singh, V., Zhao, H., Long, S.P., Shanklin, J., Altpeter, F. March 21, 2020. “Towards Oilcane: Engineering Hyperaccumulation of Triacylglycerol into Sugarcane Stems.” GCB Bioenergy. DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12684. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcbb.12684
  • Kannan, B., Jung, J.H., Moxley, G. W., Lee, S.M. Altpeter, F. 2017. TALEN mediated targeted mutagenesis of more than 100 COMT copies/alleles in highly polyploid sugarcane improves saccharification efficiency without compromising biomass yield. Plant Biotechn. J. (in press). http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12833/full
  • Altpeter F. et al. 2016. Advancing Crop Transformation in the Era of Genome Editing. Plant Cell. 28: 1510‐1520. http://www.plantcell.org/content/early/2016/06/22/tpc.16.00196.full.pdf+html
    Jung, J. H. and F. Altpeter. 2016. TALEN mediated targeted mutagenesis of the caffeic acid O‐methyltransferase in highly polyploid sugarcane improves cell wall composition for production of bioethanol. Plant. Mol. Biol. 92: 131‐142. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27306903
  • Zale, J., J.H. Jung, J.Y. Kim, B, B. Patha, R. Karan, H. Liu, X. Chen, H. Wu, J. Candreva, Z. Zhai, J. Shanklin, F. Altpeter. 2016. Metabolic engineering of sugarcane to accumulate energy‐dense triacylglycerols in vegetative biomass. Plant Biotech. J. 14: 661‐669. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12411/epdf

The Plant Molecular Physiology lab at University of Florida, headed by Professor Fredy Altpeter, is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student with experience in plant tissue culture and genetic engineering and molecular biology to join our team. The research program focuses on genome editing and metabolic engineering of sugarcane to improve crop performance and quality.

The successful candidate will apply existing CRISPR‐Cas9 systems to validate targets for crop improvement, develop genome editing strategies that do not leave a transgenic footprint in vegetatively propagated sugarcane, and characterize genetically modified events similar in scope to our recent publications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27306903; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12411/epdf; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12833/full.

Hands-on experience with plant tissue culture and genetic transformation is essential. The ideal candidate will also be experience with vector construction, molecular and phenotypic characterization of transgenic plants. This work requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English as well as excellent writing skills as demonstrated by a strong publication record in peer reviewed journals.

Please email your resume, cover letter, GRE scores, GPA, and contact information of  three references to the PI, altpeter@ufl.edu. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Stipend will be competitive and includes benefits.

Application review will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Start date is flexible.

Selected publications related to this position:

  • Parajuli, S., Kannan, B., Karan, R., Liu, H., Garcia-Ruiz, E., Kumar, D., Singh, V., Zhao, H., Long, S.P., Shanklin, J., Altpeter, F. March 21, 2020. “Towards Oilcane: Engineering Hyperaccumulation of Triacylglycerol into Sugarcane Stems.” GCB Bioenergy. DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12684. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcbb.12684
  • Kannan, B., Jung, J.H., Moxley, G. W., Lee, S.‐M. Altpeter, F. 2017. TALEN mediated targeted mutagenesis of more than 100 COMT copies/alleles in highly polyploid sugarcane improves saccharification efficiency without compromising biomass yield. Plant Biotechn. J. (in press). http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12833/full
  • Altpeter F. et al. 2016. Advancing Crop Transformation in the Era of Genome Editing. Plant Cell. 28: 1510‐1520. http://www.plantcell.org/content/early/2016/06/22/tpc.16.00196.full.pdf+html
    Jung, J. H. and F. Altpeter. 2016. TALEN mediated targeted mutagenesis of the caffeic acid O‐methyltransferase in highly polyploid sugarcane improves cell wall composition for production of bioethanol. Plant. Mol. Biol. 92: 131‐142. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27306903
  • Zale, J., J.H. Jung, J.Y. Kim, B, B. Patha, R. Karan, H. Liu, X. Chen, H. Wu, J. Candreva, Z. Zhai, J. Shanklin, F. Altpeter. 2016. Metabolic engineering of sugarcane to accumulate energy‐dense triacylglycerols in vegetative biomass. Plant Biotech. J. 14: 661‐669. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12411/epdf