Fellow (Post Doc)

Postdoctoral Research position in the Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University. The position will emphasize gene editing, molecular biology, and plant tissue culture, with the goal of developing new resistance traits in soybean.

  • 520468
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Plant Pathology
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing on: Oct 20 2025
  • On-site

About This Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team in the Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University, Manhattan Campus. The successful candidate will contribute to projects focused on using gene editing and other molecular approaches to develop nematode resistance in soybean. The position will emphasize gene editing, molecular biology, and plant tissue culture, with opportunities to collaborate and publish across disciplines. Duties include:

  • Design and execute experiments involving CRISPR/Cas9-based and other genome editing platforms in plants.
  • Perform molecular biology techniques including cloning, PCR/qPCR, sequencing, and gene expression analysis.
  • Establish and maintain plant tissue culture systems, including transformation and regeneration protocols in soybean.
  • Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results to the research team and external collaborators.
  • Contribute to writing manuscripts, reports, and grant proposals.
  • Stay current with advances in plant biotechnology and propose innovative approaches for ongoing projects.
  • Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

About Us

The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University comprises a large and varying group of scientists with excellent reputations in research, teaching, and extension. Our strengths are in applied plant pathology, microbiology, biosecurity, disease diagnosis, management, host-parasite resistance genetics, pathogen and microbe genetics and genomics, genomics and biotechnology. Additional information can be found at http://www.plantpath.k-state.edu. Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, KS, in the scenic tallgrass prairies of the Flint Hills of NE Kansas. Manhattan is 125 miles west of Kansas City and 50 miles west of Topeka. Kansas State University is the nation’s first land-grant institution and currently enrolls ~24,000 students. Check the local Convention & Visitors Bureau website (http://www.manhattancvb.org/) for more information.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong background in gene editing and/or molecular biology techniques.
  • Hands-on experience with plant tissue culture and transformation.
  • Demonstrated ability to design, troubleshoot, and carry out independent experiments.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience with CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, or prime editing in plants.
  • Familiarity with bioinformatics tools for genome analysis and editing design.
  • Experience with plant disease phenotyping.

Additional Role Information:

  • Weekend availability for time sensitive experiments

Sponsorship eligibility:

  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Cover Letter.
  • CV.
  • Contact Information for 3 professional references.

Application Window

Applications close on: October 20, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$47,500 - $60,000

 

 

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Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.

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