Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate Position: Functional Genomics and Metabolic Engineering of Volatile Natural Products

The Tholl lab at the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech is recruiting a Postdoctoral Associate in Biochemistry and Metabolic Engineering of Volatile Natural Products. The Tholl lab integrates biochemical, molecular, and genomic tools to investigate the metabolism of volatile compounds in plants and insects. The lab applies this knowledge to improve crop resilience and pest management and improve the production of aroma compounds, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products.

The candidate will have the opportunity to work on a project with focus on gene discovery and biosynthesis of plant volatile compounds with multiple values as natural defenses, flavors, and industrial value products in food crops. Additional projects in crop trait improvement offer the opportunity of engineering insect volatile pheromones in plants for the development of enhanced trap crops.

We are looking for a talented scientist with strong motivation and interest in natural product functional genomics and metabolic engineering. The candidate will join an excellent and supportive scientific community in the Biological Sciences Department and across departments in the Virginia Tech Translational Plant Sciences Center. Moreover, the applicant will experience a vibrant university environment in the heart of the Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains. The Tholl lab welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

- PhD degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Science, or related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in genomics/transcriptomics and gene discovery is essential.
- Strong problem-solving, and oral and written communication skills.
- Experience working within a team.
- Commitment to cultural diversity and a safe workplace.

- A track record in functional gene and enzyme characterization, preferably in specialized metabolism, is desired.
- Experience with GC-MS and/or LC-MS techniques is a strong asset.
- Experience with the supervision of students is preferable.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Commensurate with experience but within budget maximum

April 28, 2025

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.