Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture (https://agronomy.unl.edu), Center for Plant Science Innovation (https://www.unl.edu/psi) invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position in plant single-cell computational biology in the Libault Lab (https://libaultlab.unl.edu). This 12-month (calendar year), full-time (1.0 FTE) special appointment will focus on expertise bioinformatics, computational biology, machine learning, and plant genomics. The apportionment is 100% research. This position will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Libault lab seeks to explore and understand the network of plant genes, and their regulation in response to environmental stress at the single-cell level. These discoveries will lead to the development of new strategies to improve crop characteristics and performance. Therefore, using single-cell-omics datasets, the postdoctoral associate will work on genomics, epigenetics, and/or bioinformatics/computational biology to characterize and functionally validate plant cell-type-specific transcriptional programs, their regulation in response to environmental stresses, and their differential regulation between plant species.

The selected postdoctoral researcher will have opportunities to work and develop computational resources to conduct:

• Comparative analyses of gene expression between crop species.
• Analyses of plant single-cell-omics datasets, integration of multiomic datasets, transcriptomic trajectories, and prediction of gene networks.

This project presents opportunities to work in a collaborative and very dynamic environment with computational and molecular biologists.

In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Agronomy and Horticulture are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, every person and every interaction are treated as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.

This project presents opportunities to work in a collaborative and very dynamic environment with computational and molecular biologists. The University of Nebraska provides a stimulating atmosphere with excellent facilities, including the Single-Cell Genomics Core Facility under the direction of Dr. Libault (e.g., https://biotech.unl.edu/single-cell-genomics) and colleagues for high-quality research in agricultural and plant sciences.

A Ph.D. in plant computational biology/genomics, bioinformatics, machine learning, or a related field is required at the time of hiring. Prior knowledge and demonstrated expertise in next-generation sequencing data analysis, computational systems biology, and/or data integration, excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work in a team are also required.

Preference will be given to candidates with a solid knowledge of plant genomics, evolution, gene expression/regulation, and biological networks.

This position is a full-time assignment, contingent on successful performance and continued funding. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Review of applications will begin June 26, 2023 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_230093. Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the information form. Attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, anticipated contributions, and your experience contributing to inclusive environments.
2. Your curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.