Postdoctoral Research Associate – Department of Genetics and Biochemistry
Clemson University: College of Science: Genetics & Biochemistry
Location: BRC, Room 319A
Open Date: Feb 03, 2026
Description
Clemson University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in maize genomics and systems genetics. The successful candidate will contribute to an NSF-funded research effort focused on the systems genetics of maize leaf senescence and the genetic and regulatory mechanisms that link physiology, stress responses, and developmental transitions. The position combines experimental leadership with collaborative data-driven discovery and offers close collaboration with teams at Cornell/USDA-ARS and Clemson applying artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to plant genomics.
Primary responsibilities include: (i) designing and coordinating field-based experimental pipelines and physiological phenotyping, including experimental design, sampling, and data quality control; (ii) conducting wet-lab molecular assays and functional genomics workflows aligned with project goals, with experience in single cell omics considered a plus; (iii) partnering with computational collaborators to integrate physiological and molecular datasets using modern AI/ML methods for gene discovery and regulatory network inference; and (iv) contributing to manuscripts, presentations, and collaborative deliverables.
About Us:
Clemson University is a land-grant institution committed to research, education, and public service. The University provides a highly collaborative environment with strong interdisciplinary partnerships and state-of-the-art facilities that support field-based research, functional genomics, and data science. For more information about Clemson, please visit the website http://www.clemson.edu/.
The position will be based in the lab of Dr. Rajan Sekhon (Associate Professor, Clemson University) in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry. For more information about the PI lab, please visit the website (https://www.clemson.edu/science/academics/departments/genbio/about/profiles/sekhon).
For more information about the department and its programs, please visit the website https://www.clemson.edu/science/academics/departments/genbio/.
Qualifications
• Ph.D. in plant biology, genetics, genomics, quantitative biology, computational biology, or a related field by the time of appointment.
• Strong molecular biology skills and experience executing wet-lab workflows independently.
• Demonstrated experience with field-based research and/or plant phenotyping (maize or other crops strongly preferred).
• Experience working with biological datasets and interest in AI/ML-enabled data integration and gene discovery; proficiency in R and/or Python is preferred.
• Evidence of strong communication skills, collaboration, and productivity (manuscripts, presentations, or equivalent research outputs).
Preferred qualifications:
• Experience with transcriptomics, metabolomics, chromatin accessibility assays (e.g., ATAC-seq), and/or regulatory genomics.
• Experience with, or strong interest in, single cell omics approaches.
Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin immediately; however, the position will remain open until filled. Applicants should submit the following items via Interfolio at:
https://apptrkr.com/6901893
(1) Cover letter describing relevant experience and research interests
(2) Curriculum vitae (CV)
(3) Contact information for three references
For more information, please contact Dr. Rajan Sekhon (sekhon@clemson.edu), Associate Professor, Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University.
For more information and to apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6901893
Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.
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