Post-doctoral Associate

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

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

• Department
• AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture
• Worker Sub-Type
• Faculty Regular

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.

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.