Employer
Justin McGrath Research Lab, United States Department of Agriculture, Urbana, IL, United States
Description
Research objectives and methodology
Seed nitrogen concentration is the primary factor contributing to soybean value, and in recent decades it has declined, reducing prices. Models have been used previously to identify approaches to improve yield by simulating carbon acquisition processes and determining which steps are most limiting. A similar approach could be used to determine steps limiting seed nitrogen concentrations, but there are no comprehensive nitrogen uptake and distribution models for crops. We have previously developed a basic nitrogen uptake and distribution mode, and results indicated that nitrogen transport from leaves to seeds was a primary limitation of seed nitrogen concentration, as opposed to uptake by roots or transport from roots to leaves. The current model summaries all of the biochemical processes in a single parameter, and the objective of this project is to add biochemical detail to this process, so that specific reactions, and therefore specific genes, can be identified that will improve soybean nitrogen concentration. Specific objectives are 1) to incorporate biochemical detail about nitrogen reallocation from leaves to seeds and transport in vascular tissues, 2) validate the model with experimental data from the Energy Farm SpiderCam facility and greenhouse experiments.
Expected results
Within the year of the project, the model will be updated to include biochemical details of transport of nitrogen from leaves to seeds, such as nitrogen reallocation from degradation of chlorophyll and Rubisco, and transport through vascular tissues. The model will be made public and will be the foundation for further research examining details of protein quality, including amino acid composition, and linking genetics to protein quality and concentration. The ultimate goal is to use these tools to identify ways to accelerate breeding of soybean meal with protein composition that is desirable for livestock production, thus improving the value of soybeans
Candidate requirements
Knowledge required
A Ph.D. in a science related field, such as Biology, Genetics, Crop Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, with at least 4 years of research experience. The position requires knowledge of mathematical modeling, such as with ordinary differential equation systems, and computer language programming. Experience analyzing results and writing manuscripts is also required. Familiarity with plant physiology, in particular N metabolism and field experimentation, is desirable.
Must be a US citizen, national, or permanent resident.
About the employer
The incumbent serves as a Research Plant Physiologist (Research Associate) assigned to the USDA-ARS Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit, Urbana, IL. The Unit’s research program broadly aims to increase the efficiency and productivity of photosynthesis, growth and yield of crop plants, especially in the context of global climate change and environmental uncertainty. The incumbent’s research addresses problems under National Program 301 (Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics and Genetic Improvement). The incumbent is assigned the responsibility of conducting and reporting results developing a N allocation model for soybean and validating the model using field experiments with elevated CO2 concentration experiments. The incumbent will collaborate with those performing field work to design and execute appropriate experiments.
The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
Further details
Possible start of employment: Monday, 01 April 2024.
Contract: Full-time, Fixed-term
Salary: $70,000-$80,000
How to apply
Please send your CV, contact information for three references, and cover letter to Justin McGrath ([email protected]). In the cover letter, state whether you are a US citizen, national or permanent resident.
Application email: [email protected]
Application deadline: Monday, 01 April 2024 (in 0 minutes).
Please mention Life Science Network when applying
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- Contact person: Justin McGrath
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