Careers in the Plant Sciences

Plant Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation

State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry - Syracuse, NY, United States

Position Title: Plant Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation
Position Type: Tenure-Track Assistant Professor
Application Review Begins: Friday, September 01, 2023
Application Deadline: Sunday, October 01, 2023
Institution: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Department/Division: Department of Environmental Biology
Field (e.g., systematics):
City: Syracuse, NY, United States
General Information: The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) in Syracuse, NY is building a faculty cluster in Tree and Ecosystem Restoration Program (TERP). This cluster will enhance SUNY ESF's leadership role in addressing tree and ecosystem restoration at state, national and international levels. We are hiring five tenure-track positions in three departments:
Forest Biotechnologist & Director of TERP, Plant Tissue Culture and Transformation Biologist, and Restoration Ecologist in the Department of Environmental Biology; Plant Biochemist in the Department of Chemistry; and Arboriculturist/Urban Forester in the Department of Sustainable Resource Management. Successful candidates are expected to participate actively in this interdisciplinary cluster initiative. Full details on this cluster hire are available at www.esf.edu/HR/clusterhire.

We invite applications for an academic-year (10-mo) tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Plant Tissue Culture and Transformation. This position will contribute to supporting Forest Health in the northeastern United States and beyond through substantial participation in the TERP cluster, an expansion of the American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project (https://www.esf.edu/chestnut/about.asp). We seek a teacher-scholar with a strong commitment to both scholarship and engaging students in the classroom and through research mentorship at the undergraduate, MS, and PhD levels. The successful candidate will be expected to build an internationally recognized extramurally funded research program in tissue culture and transformation of keystone tree species threatened by pests, pathogens, and climate change. Current focal species include the American chestnut, American elm, and the Ozark chinquapin. Future interests include sugar maple, American beech, ash, and others.
Qualifications/Requirements: Required Qualifications:
• PhD in plant biotechnology or related area of biology, with experience using plant tissue culture and transformation techniques.
• Strong record of publication of plant biotechnology-related research.
• Strong evidence of potential to secure external funding to support research.
• Evidence of effective teaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated interest in research integrating molecular and/or physiological processes to organismal and ecological levels.
Preferred Qualifications:
• At least one year of postdoctoral or professional research experience with proven track record in plant tissue culture and transformation research.
• Research experience and publications focused on temperate forest tree species.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate science effectively to multiple constituencies.
• Evidence of collegiality and dedication to professional service.
• Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive environment, working with people from diverse backgrounds, and incorporating diverse perspectives in research.
• Familiarity with U.S. federal regulatory policy for genetically engineered plants
Responsibilities: Responsibilities: The workload for this position is 45% teaching, 45% research, and 10% service. Specific teaching responsibilities include: 1) two 3-credit undergraduate courses: Plant Tissue Culture and Plant Biotechnology, 2) a one-credit graduate-level seminar in the candidate’s area of expertise, and 3) a one-credit undergraduate level course in Research Design and Professional Development. Service responsibilities include advising undergraduate students, mentoring graduate students at the Master and Doctoral levels, and participating in department, college, and community service.
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): Applications should include: 1) cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications, 2) curriculum vitae with contact information (name, institution, email, phone, and address) for a minimum of three references who have agreed to send letters of recommendation when needed, 3) statement of plans to foster diversity and inclusion through teaching, research, and service, 4) statement of research interests and vision, and 5) statement of teaching philosophy and vision. The diversity, teaching, and research statements should not exceed 2 pages each, and we welcome statements demonstrating integrative and collaborative approaches that complement departmental strengths. The entire application should be compiled as a single pdf document (not exceeding 10 MB) and submitted via the Human Resources online portal (https://esf.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=133059). Questions about the application process and document submission should be directed to humanresources@esf.edu. Questions about the position and the Department of Environmental Biology should be directed to Dr. Danilo D. Fernando, Search Committee Chair, at dfernando@esf.edu.

Application Deadline: To ensure optimal consideration, all application materials must be received by August 1, 2023, although this position will remain open until filled.

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse community that promotes equity and inclusion for all its members. Diversity that arises from differences such as, but not limited to, gender, race, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, national origin, or religious traditions is central and indispensable to the institutional excellence and mission of the College.
Compensation Range: $75K/yr minimum, commensurate with experience.
Contact Name: Danilo Fernando, dfernando@esf.edu