Postdoc Researcher- Chemical and Biomolecular Engr

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

A postdoc research position is available in the Laboratory of Dr. Sijin Li at the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University.

Community: The Li Lab is interested in elucidating complex plant natural product biosynthetic pathways and developing genetic circuits using synthetic biology in yeast and Nicotiana benthamiana. The lab uses a combination of synthetic biology, molecular biology, plant biochemistry, metabolic engineering, and multi-omics approaches. In the Li Lab, we are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive environment where all lab members can thrive. We are a highly collaborative group. We work closely with engineers and plant scientists to understand the complicated plant metabolism using engineering approaches. Several of our projects are funded through the National Institutes of Health, Cornell's Institute for Digital Agriculture (CIDA: https://digitalagriculture.cornell.edu/), the NSF Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS: https://digitalagriculture.cornell.edu/cropps/), and Cornell's Center for Technology Licensing. The postdoctoral scholar will be encouraged to engage in cross-disciplinary research through these communities.

Skills: Prior experience with yeast is not required. The postdoc scholar will be responsible for designing independent, hypothesis-driven projects at the interface of synthetic biology and plant sciences. The candidate is expected to contribute to a productive group setting and demonstrate the capacity to take on challenging questions, acquire new research skills, and follow through with proposed projects. The postdoctoral scholar is expected to present their results through the preparation and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts and by presenting at local and internationally-recognized conferences. The ideal candidate will have expertise in one or more of the following areas: synthetic biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, plant specialized metabolism, genomics, or related fields.

The position will remain open until filled. The start date is flexible, and current Ph.D. students who are nearing graduation are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send a single PDF that includes: a research statement, CV, and contact information for three references to sijin.li@cornell.edu. The research statement should clearly describe research interests, as well as skills that the candidate has to offer and skills/training experiences that they would like to acquire during their tenure as a postdoctoral scholar. A competitive salary commensurate with experience and skills, as well as a generous benefits package will be offered. For full consideration, please apply or contact Dr. Sijin Li by April 30, 2022.

Pay Range:

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

• Unique applicable skills.

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.