Conifer Somatic Embryogensis Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Apply here: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/198322

The Whitehill Lab – Christmas Tree Genetics program at NC State University is working to advance North Carolina’s Christmas tree industry by addressing grower challenges and concerns through the application of genetic, genomic, and molecular biology principles. Conifer breeding cycles are slow. Yet, conifers represent some of the most iconic, economically and ecologically important forest tree species in the world. Conifer survival is being threatened as climate change continues to accelerate. The king of the conifers, Sugar pine, is endemic to California and Yosemite Park, while the premiere Christmas tree in the US, the Fraser fir, resides on the east coast nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. In nature, these trees have never met. In the Whitehill lab, at NC State University, Sugar pine and Fraser fir cohabitate in growth chambers. Our lab is working to advance conifer breeding cycles through rapid genetic improvement using advanced tissue culture techniques such as somatic embryogenesis. This position will be responsible for leading these efforts and preserving these forest guardians for future generations. 

Apply here: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/198322