Post Doctoral Researcher, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
About The Position
The Caplan Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the function of chloroplast stromules in intracellular and cell-to-cell signaling. The research group uses microscopy and proteomics-based approaches to study how dynamic organelle morphology and movement contribute to calcium and reactive oxygen species immune signaling. The successful candidate will lead a research project examining how chloroplast stromules are integrated into calcium and reactive oxygen species signaling pathways during plant innate immunity. The work bridges two funded projects: one on chloroplast stromules and positioning in intracellular signaling, and another on cell-to-cell signaling between plant hosts and microbial pathogens. Research will investigate reactive oxygen species and their interplay with calcium generated in chloroplasts, as well as how extracellular vesicles can induce or inhibit these responses. The researcher will join a multidisciplinary team with expertise in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and machine learning. They will contribute cell biology expertise and lead the project's advanced live-cell microscopy work. The position is based at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute within the new AP Biopharma Innovation Center at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware, USA.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in cell biology, plant molecular biology, plant pathology, or a related field.
- Expertise in microscopy.
- Basic skills in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry.
- Basic skills in transient expression in Nicotiana.
- Mastery of written and spoken English communication.
- Motivation to conduct cutting-edge research and ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with spinning disk confocal microscopy.
- Experience with super-resolution Airyscan or STED microscopy.
- Experience with live-cell plant microscopy.
Responsibilities
- Lead a research project examining how chloroplast stromules are integrated into calcium and reactive oxygen species signaling pathways during plant innate immunity.
- Bridge research on chloroplast stromules and positioning in intracellular signaling with research on cell-to-cell signaling between plant hosts and microbial pathogens.
- Investigate reactive oxygen species and their interplay with calcium generated in chloroplasts.
- Examine how extracellular vesicles can induce or inhibit the signaling responses.
- Lead the advanced live-cell microscopy portion of the project.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with full benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
