Postdoctoral Scholar - Root Crop Physiology

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Oct 11, 2025
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 Postdoctoral Scholar Opportunity Sweetpotato Root System Architecture, Carbon Allocation & Stress Physiology Root and Tuber Crop Lab (RTC Lab) * Department of Plant Science * Penn State University Position Summary The Root and Tuber Crop Lab (RTC Lab) in the Department of Plant Science at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position focused on investigating root system architecture (RSA), root anatomy, carbon allocation, and sink-source dynamics in sweetpotato under nutrient-limited, drought, and heat-stressed environments. This position provides a unique opportunity to lead integrative research combining functional phenomics, root hydraulic conductivity measurements, carbohydrate metabolism studies, and SimRoot modeling to better understand physiological and anatomical mechanisms driving sweetpotato productivity under multiple abiotic stresses. Key Responsibilities Design and conduct experiments to characterize root system architecture and anatomy under field and controlled conditions. Investigate carbon allocation, sink-source dynamics, and carbohydrate metabolism under nutrient stress and environmental constraints. Assess root hydraulic conductivity and explore links between water transport, nutrient acquisition, and plant productivity. Implement SimRoot modeling to simulate root growth dynamics and performance trade-offs under varying soil conditions. Integrate physiological, anatomical, and modeling datasets to identify key traits for improving stress tolerance. Analyze large, multidimensional datasets using advanced statistical and computational approaches. Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, contribute to grant proposals, and present findings at conferences. Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers and collaborate with faculty and interdisciplinary teams. Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Plant Science, Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Biology, or related discipline. Expertise in root system architecture, plant physiology, or root phenotyping. Strong background in carbon allocation, plant-soil interactions, and/or nutrient-use efficiency. Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals and strong scientific communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team. Selected candidate must posess a U.S. driver's license and will be required to complete a motor vehicle record background check. Preferred Qualifications Experience with sweetpotato or other root/tuber crops in field and controlled environments. Familiarity with image-based phenotyping pipelines and root hydraulic measurements. Experience with SimRoot modeling or other computational frameworks. Knowledge of nutrient-use efficiency and plant responses to drought and heat stress. Interest in fostering collaborations across research groups at Penn State and beyond. Appointment Details * Position Type: Full-time, 1-year appointment, renewable based on performance and funding. * Start Date: Flexible; preferred Fall 2025. * Location: University Park, Pennsylvania. * Salary: Competitive, with full Penn State benefits. Application Instructions Submit the following materials as a single PDF file: 1. Cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and career goals. 2. Curriculum vitae (CV). 3. Contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Contact Information Luis Duque Root and Tuber Crop Lab (RTC Lab) Department of Plant Science Pennsylvania State University Email: lud88@psu.edu BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. 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 our 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. The Pennsylvania State University 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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