Post Doctoral Researcher, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

University of Delaware • Newark, DE

7d • Onsite

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 understand how dynamic organelle morphology and movement contribute to calcium and reactive oxygen species immune signaling. The position is based at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, within the new AP Biopharma Innovation Center at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware.

The successful candidate will lead a project examining how chloroplast stromules participate in 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 induce or inhibit these responses. As part of a multidisciplinary team with expertise in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and machine learning, the researcher will contribute cell biology expertise and lead the advanced live-cell microscopy portion of the project.

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, super-resolution Airyscan or STED microscopy, and/or 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 induce or inhibit signaling responses.
• Lead the advanced live-cell microscopy portion of the project.

Benefits

• Full benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree