Position Announcement

Research Assistant Professor – Plant genome editing and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology invites applications for the position of Research Assistant Professor.

Position Description

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Oklahoma State University is looking for a Research Assistant Professor position within the department. This position will contribute to the undergraduate and graduate researcher training and participate in the development and preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals and abstracts for the submission to scientific meetings. The individual hired will also be expected to submit grant proposals and develop an independent competitively-funded research program.

The individual hired will work in collaboration with the Mysore laboratory (https://experts.okstate.edu/kmysore ) and their salary will be covered by an NSF-funded project to develop novel approaches for plant genome editing and transformation. This project will use an engineered Agrobacterium strain expressing a type III secretion system that has been engineered to deliver proteins that enhance transformation and genome editing in plants. Plants such as Rice, Nicotiana benthamiana, and Arabidopsis will be used to optimize genome editing and transformation approaches. Once successful, these approaches will be used to edit desired genes in crops such as wheat, sorghum and soybean.

Salary Information

A competitive salary plus benefits, including retirement, will be offered. OSU’s competitive benefits and eligibility can be found at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html.

Contingent upon available funding. 

Employment Conditions

This is an 11-month temporary 100% research, career-track faculty position. The initial appointment will be for two years where the individual hired will be expected to conduct research within the umbrella of the Mysore laboratory research focus, while developing their own independent competitively funded research program. Renewal of this appointment each year is contingent upon need, performance, and upon available funding. Review of applications will begin October 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled with a suitable applicant. Anticipated start date is October 2025 (start date is somewhat flexible).

Qualifications

Required qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in plant biotechnology or a related discipline, possess a good work ethic and the ability to multitask, have experience working in plant molecular biology, gene editing and plant transformation, and demonstrate exceptional grant, manuscript and presentation writing skills as well as the ability to work independently while guiding research students and laboratory technicians.

Application

To apply:  Applications must be submitted online at: https://jobs.okstate.edu

Applicants should submit: 1) a 1–2-page cover letter summarizing their experience and research expertise related to the above project goals and required qualifications, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Dr. Kiran Mysore

Oklahoma State University

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

580-224-0627

kmysore@okstate.edu

About the Department

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) provides exceptional undergraduate and graduate programs that produce students who are successful in multiple endeavors, from matriculation into medical and life science graduate research programs, to finding research positions in academe, industry and government. Faculty in the department also conduct research in numerous areas such as plant biochemistry, microbiology, science education, bioinformatics, and cancer and cell biology.

The Department of BMB’s mission is to add to and disseminate understanding of science related to the molecular basis of life in support of the missions of DASNR and OSU. It does so in three ways. First, BMB contributes the expertise of its members to research endeavors in DASNR-supported projects. Though sometimes the contribution is through informal consultation, often it is by full collaborative participation in these projects. Second, BMB maintains facilities, equipment, and services essential for modern molecular biological research and makes these available to all DASNR-supported researchers and researchers throughout the university. Third, through its formal teaching program and its workshop program, BMB provides training in the molecular analysis of life processes that prepares students to join active research teams or health professions as productive members. BMB sees itself at the center of life science research, able to bring together diverse interests for the advancement of society and humankind. For more information, visit: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/biochemistry/?Forwarded=biochemistry.okstate.edu/

To learn more about Stillwater and OSU, visit these websites.

• https://www.okstate.edu
• https://www.visitstillwater.org
• https://www.stillwaterchamber.org