Job Description

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N Efficiency Genomic Informatics Post-Doctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate, Buckler/Romay Lab

Cornell Institute of Biotechnology

Cornell Research and Innovation

The

Buckler/Romay Lab

at Cornell University is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to advance research on maize and grass molecular diversity using genomic large language models (AI). The goal is to design nitrogen-efficient maize varieties.



The Buckler/Romay Lab, in partnership with Cornell's Institute for Genomic Diversity, employs functional genomics to dissect complex traits in grasses, cassava, and diverse crops. We leverage natural genomic diversity to pinpoint DNA and protein variants underlying quantitative traits, while integrating cutting-edge technologies to measure and interpret this diversity. Our research spans comparative genomics, chromatin architecture, gene expression, protein abundance, and metabolite profiling--combined with computational biology, machine learning, and advanced statistical methods.



Supported by the ARPA-E TEOSYNTE and CERCA projects, this position is part of a national effort to improve nitrogen use efficiency on farms by modifying genetic pathways that control root-soil-microbe interactions. The successful candidate will apply environmental association mapping and expression profiling across grasses and maize landraces to identify key genes and regulatory networks. These insights will then be integrated with genomic large language models to design optimized regulatory patterns for modern maize, which will be validated in collaboration with a nationwide team. Modeling indicates potential for more than a 50% improvement in agronomic nitrogen efficiency--translating into significant fertilizer savings and reductions in water and air pollution.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct comparative genomics and environmental GWAS across grasses, maize landraces, and sorghum landraces to identify functional variation in candidate proteins and regulatory sequences associated with traits such as root architecture and soil characteristics. Nominate and help evaluate promoter regions and candidate genes to enhance nitrogen use efficiency. Apply machine learning models to classify molecular variants as functional and assess their impact on gene expression. Contribute to large-scale modeling of engineered traits to predict performance and optimize design.

Required Qualifications:

PhD in the field of genomics, evolution, population genetics, computational biology, biological informatics, quantitative genetics, or related fields. Strong background in plant genomics, quantitative genetics, and bioinformatics.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with genomic large-language models, plant transgenic design and evaluation, and nitrogen metabolism pathways.

The initial appointment is a 1-year term renewable contingent upon continued funding and successful performance.

This position will be based in Ithaca, New York.

The anticipated hiring salary for this position is $62,232

.

Why Cornell?

Benefits and rewards

include:

Comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, and more. Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Part-Time Study and Employee Degree Program, heavily discounted eCornell courses and certificate programs, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

All applications should be submitted via Academic Jobs Online at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31530. A complete application will include the following material:

Curriculum vitae Cover letter

Pay Range:

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

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 Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.



If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.



Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by

clicking here

. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.



Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.


2026-01-15

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About Us

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. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.


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