Postdoctoral Position – O’Connor Lab: The O’Connor Lab at Colorado State University is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join an exciting new research program focused on linking plant developmental regulation with gene-editing tools. The lab aims to understand and engineer plant growth to enhance global food systems by combining live imaging, model systems, omics, genetics, and gene-editing.
This position provides an opportunity to explore auxin-mediated patterning across flowering plants using advanced approaches such as quantitative imaging, gene editing, and proteomics. The successful candidate will work with unpublished mutants, fluorescent reporters, and proximity-labeling lines already developed in Brachypodium and Arabidopsis. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to contribute to the lab’s crop improvement and allele-design pipeline.
Funded by startup resources, this position offers creative freedom to shape the project direction in alignment with the lab’s goals, technical capabilities, and personal interests. The O’Connor Lab values innovation, collaboration, and scientific creativity.
Summary Table
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Plant Developmental Biology, Gene Editing, Quantitative Imaging, Proteomics, Crop Improvement |
| Location | O’Connor Lab, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA |
| Duration | Up to 2 years (extendable with additional funding) |
| Salary | $62,000 – $65,000 per year + modest relocation expenses |
| Funding Source | Lab Startup Funds |
| Application Deadline | Rolling basis (applications reviewed as received) |
| Application Link | https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/161929 |
| Contact Email | devin.oconnor@colostate.edu |
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
- Plant Developmental Regulation
- Gene Editing and Functional Genomics
- Quantitative Imaging and Microscopy
- Proteomics and Omics Approaches
- Crop Improvement and Synthetic Biology
Location
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Eligibility / Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Biology, Plant Biology, Biological Engineering, or a closely related field (completed at the time of appointment).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated record of creative scientific contributions.
- Hands-on experience with plants, plant transformation, phenotyping, and tissue culture.
- Strong background in quantitative microscopy.
- Familiarity with proteomics or next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques and data analysis.
Job Description
- Conduct independent and collaborative research on auxin-mediated patterning in flowering plants.
- Utilize quantitative imaging, gene editing, and proteomics to identify key molecular regulators of plant development.
- Work with existing mutants, fluorescent reporters, and proximity-labeling lines in Brachypodium and Arabidopsis.
- Contribute to gene-editing strategies for crop yield improvement and functional validation of designed alleles.
- Collaborate with team members and contribute to an inclusive, creative lab environment.
- Define specific research goals aligned with lab priorities, technical expertise, and personal research interests.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the Colorado State University Jobs Portal:
🔗 https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/161929
For further information or inquiries, contact:
📧 Dr. Devin O’Connor – Principal Investigator
Email: devin.oconnor@colostate.edu
Last Date to Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About the Lab
The O’Connor Lab integrates plant developmental biology with modern gene-editing and omics tools to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern plant form and productivity. The lab’s mission is to engineer plants that can sustain future food systems by improving yield, resilience, and developmental plasticity.
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