The Ort lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) 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 (CABBI). The postdoctoral position is full-time, 1-year duration, with possibility of annual extension, contingent upon performance and funding.

Summary: A postdoctoral scientist with a strong background in plant molecular biology/protein biochemistry is sought to join a dynamic team of researchers. The successful candidate will collaborate with a vibrant research team working on improving the photosynthetic efficiency of biomass sorghum for enhanced biofuel production. The successful candidate will 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. The candidates will work closely with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, students, and technicians that are focusing on how sorghum and other C4 bioenergy crops can be optimized to increase productivity and adapted for greater sustainability. As part of a large multi-institutional project, the successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative work environment. The specific scientific goals of this position are 1) to explore the role of rubisco activase in increasing the thermotolerance of C4 photosynthesis in these C4 grasses , and 2) collaborate with those developing models of C4 photosynthesis to test predictions of how rubisco activase may interact with other photosynthetic enzymes to alleviate limitations.

Qualifications: The successful postdoctoral candidate will have a Ph.D. in plant molecular biology, or a closely aligned field. Experience in plant photosynthesis and protein biochemistry 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. Proficiency in spoken/written English is necessary. The appointment is renewed annually, contingent upon the performance. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience in relevant research. 

Starting Date: Ideal starting window ranges from June 1^st, 2021, to August 31^st, 2021, and prefer to start as soon as possible. The position will remain open until filled.

Application Process: 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 d-ort@illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): UIUC is a world leader in research, teaching and public engagement, distinguished by the breadth of its programs, broad academic excellence, and internationally renowned faculty and alumni. Illinois serves the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and finding solutions to critical societal needs. UIUC ranks top worldwide in Environmental Science, Computer Science, and Agricultural Science.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment. The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.