Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
The TomatoLab at the University of Maryland, College Park is looking for a Postdoctoral Associate to lead a project characterizing a novel gene controlling flowering time in tomato.

This is a funded project for 1 year with the possibility of renewal for another year. The
postdoctoral associate will serve as the project lead on a joint effort between the TomatoLab at
UMD and USDA ARS. The primary focus of the role is to characterize a novel gene regulating
flowering time in tomato using genetic mapping approaches and perform functional validation
using reverse genetics (CRISPR-based mutagenesis).

Duties & Responsibilities:
Project Leadership: Manage day-to-day experimental workflows, data analysis, and
project timelines for the UMD–USDA ARS collaboration.

Gene Characterization: Plan and execute functional assays, gene expression profiling,
and phenotypic characterizations of this novel mutant and other genes associated with
flowering time.

Collaborative Research: Coordinate closely with USDA ARS research scientists to
integrate resources, share findings, and co-author peer-reviewed publications.

Mentorship & Dissemination: Help guide undergraduate/graduate students in the lab,
draft manuscript for publication and present research results at national/international
conferences.

Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, or
a closely related field.
Demonstrated expertise in molecular cloning, gene expression analysis, and
functional genomics in plants.

Physical Demands:


Preferences:
Prior experience working with tomato or other solanaceous crop models.
Strong publication record and excellent written/verbal communication skills.


Licenses/ Certifications:

Additional Job Details

Qualifications:

Required: Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, or a closely related field. Demonstrated expertise in molecular cloning, gene expression analysis, and functional genomics in plants.

Preferred: Prior experience working with tomato or other solanaceous crop models. Strong publication record and excellent written/verbal communication skills.

Required Application Materials: Cover letter detailing research background and interest in the project; CV, contact information for 3 professional references

Best Consideration Date: 11/21/2026

Posting Close Date: 11/30/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$62,000 - $70,000

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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