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Postdoctoral Scholar - Buanafina Lab

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Apr 18, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The research labs of Marcia Buanafina in the Department of Biology and Caio Brunharo in the Department of Plant Science are seeking to jointly hire a Postdoctoral Scholar. The postdoctoral scholar will split their time 50/50 between the two labs. The project in Buanafina lab is focused on the functional characterization of putative arabinoxylan feruloyl transferase genes involved in grass cell wall feruloylation and in Brunharo lab in the development of rapid, field-deployable diagnostic tools for herbicide resistance detection in weed populations. Both labs make use of Biochemical and Molecular approaches.

Buanafina lab Responsibilities include:

  • Functionally characterize candidate arabinoxylan feruloyl transferase genes using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and targeted overexpression in Brachypodium

  • Identify and validate homozygous mutant lines from T-DNA insertion populations through PCR-based genotyping

  • Contribute to other ongoing research projects led by the PI

  • Collect, document, and analyze experimental data

  • Assist in supervising undergraduate students

  • Contribute to general laboratory operations and a collaborative research environment

Brunharo lab Responsibilities include:

  • Design CRISPR-based detection assays for herbicide resistance

  • Develop lateral flow assay platforms that enable field-deployable herbicide resistance diagnosis

  • Enhance existing lab-based methods for herbicide resistance detection

  • Contribute to general laboratory operations and a collaborative research environment

  • Contribute to other ongoing research projects led by the PI and graduate students

  • Lead peer-reviewed publications, patents, and Extension articles

Education and Experience:

A Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology or related filed is required, with demonstrated expertise in molecular cloning, vector construction and genetic transformation. Experience with analytical and imaging techniques such as microscopy, LC-MS, FTIR/Raman spectroscopy is a plus. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects, work independently, and maintain a strong work ethic and high level of self-motivation.

Additional Information:

Please include a cover letter that summarizes relevant experience and reasons for interest in the job, along with a C.V. that includes contact information for two references (name, position, mailing address, telephone number, and email address). Review of applications will be immediately and continue until the position has been filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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