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.

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