If you are interested in the work we are doing and want to join the team, there are often opportunities, please email Dr. Brooks at matthew.d.brooks[at]usda.gov.
Positions that we are actively looking to fill will be listed below.
Postdoc or Graduate Student – Computational Plant Biology & Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Start date: Fall 2026
Application review: Rolling
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher (preferred) or an exceptional graduate student to join a multi-institutional ARPA-E–funded project aimed at transforming nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in maize. Our lab investigates gene regulatory networks that coordinate nitrogen use efficiency and photosynthesis, with a particular focus on how these systems will respond to climate change.
About the Project
This project brings together computational biology, synthetic biology and field experiments to develop novel machine learning approaches that uncover the regulatory networks linking transcription factors to nitrogen-responsive genes. The ultimate goal is to engineer maize lines capable of maintaining normal yields with 50% less nitrogen fertilizer input.
The successful candidate will join an established, highly collaborative, multi-institutional team spanning computational, molecular, and field-based expertise. See more at https://TFregulon.org/
Responsibilities
- Develop and apply computational pipelines to analyze genomic datasets
- Use machine learning approaches to identify regulatory networks controlling NUE
- Collaborate with wet-lab and field teams to integrate computational predictions with experimental validation
- (Optional but encouraged) Participate in molecular biology, maize phenotyping, and field trials
Required Qualifications - Ph.D. in plant biology, computational biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field (or strong candidates entering a Ph.D. program)
- Strong computational skills, including R, Python, and experience with machine learning
- Demonstrated experience with transcriptomic data analysis (RNA-seq, gene regulatory networks, etc.)
- Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines
Preferred Qualifications - Wet-lab experience in molecular biology (PCR genotyping, ddPCR, cloning, etc.)
- Experience with maize or other crop systems
- Field work experience, including phenotyping or managing transgenic lines
- Familiarity with elemental analysis or nutrient-use phenotyping
The position is funded for up to 3 years, with an initial 1-year appointment and the possibility of extension based on performance and fit.
How to Apply
Please send the following materials as a single PDF to mbrookslab@gmail.com: - CV with names and contact information for two references
- Cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and fit for the project