Postdoctoral Fellow Fall 2025

Molecular Ecology, Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, Soil Microbiomes, Organic Agriculture

STARTING DATE: Summer or Fall, 2025

Summary: The Casteel Lab at Cornell University is seeking a highly self-motivated and driven postdoctoral fellow to unravel the genes, proteins, and metabolites mediating organic soil microbiome-induced changes in plant physiology and stress resilience.

The project aims to decode the molecular and chemical signals that shape plant responses in complex environments by integrating chemical ecology, working farms, genomics, molecular biology, and AI-driven predictive modeling. Current focuses within this framework include microbiome-mediated aphid and drought resilience, testing artificial intelligence (AI) driven plant resilience prediction tools, and understanding the signals mediating agronomic practice x plant x microbiome interactions. However, the fellow will be able to drive significant innovation within the project's framework and propose experimental approaches that align with their specific research interests and long-term goals. In addition to research, the fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with a network of over 85 organic farmers across New York State and conduct outreach in support of organic farming and soil health initiatives. This position offers an exciting opportunity for individuals with a background in plant biology, molecular biology, molecular ecology, microbiology, and/or genetics. 

About Ithaca: The Casteel lab is located at Cornell University in gorgeous Ithaca, NY. Situated in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Ithaca has an ample waterfront fed by over 150 local waterfalls, excellent fall color, hiking, and water trails. The downtown area of Ithaca boasts a pedestrian mall featuring locally owned businesses, world-renowned vegan and vegetarian dining, and a year-round farmers market. 

Required Qualifications:

  • Experience working with plants in PhD. 

  • Less than three years since obtaining a Ph.D. with a focus on molecular plant biology, or biotic/abiotic stress. 

  • Enthusiastic, strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to work with diverse teams. 

  • Aptitude for organization and multitasking, capacity to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and interactive research environment. 

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills 

  • Experience and willingness to mentor early career scientists, including graduate and undergraduate students. 

Salary & Benefits: Starting at $61,500-$67,500/year plus a generous benefits package valued at $24,800/year. This is a full-time, 100% in-person, 12-month position with the possibility of renewal for one additional year, pending performance evaluation and funding.   The fellow will have access to research funds for their project and travel funding to cover attendance at one national conference each year to promote interdisciplinary research and engagement.

How to apply: Interested applicants should send a single PDF that includes: 1) a one-page statement of interest in the position, past research experience, and outline of future research goals, 2) a CV, and 3) contact information for three references through the following website:

https://jobs.plantae.org/jobs/21373783

First review of applicants will end June 30th. A second review will happen July 30th if no suitable applicant is found during the first review. Candidates who identify with groups systematically excluded from biology fields are encouraged to apply.

Questions? For questions regarding this position, contact Dr. Casteel. Informal inquiries are encouraged.