Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Immunity and Extracellular Immune Signaling

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

67d • Onsite

About The Position

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Zhonglin Mou in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida. The position is supported by a newly funded three-year USDA/NIFA grant focused on understanding extracellular immune signaling in plants. The successful candidate will investigate how extracellular signaling molecules, including extracellular NAD(P) and salicylic acid (SA), are sensed at the plant cell surface and how these signals activate local and systemic immune responses. Our research has identified lectin receptor kinases as key components of extracellular NAD(P) and SA signaling pathways that contribute to systemic acquired resistance. The postdoctoral researcher will use molecular, genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to define receptor activation mechanisms and determine how extracellular immune signaling interfaces with intracellular SA signaling and systemic immunity. Potential research areas include receptor-ligand interactions, receptor kinase activation and phosphorylation, protein-protein interactions, calcium and other early immune signaling events, genetic analysis of immune signaling pathways, and characterization of local and systemic disease resistance. The project provides opportunities to develop new mechanistic insights into plant immune signaling and to contribute to high-impact publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant biology, plant pathology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Strong experimental skills.
• A solid publication record.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
• Commitment to UF core values.
• Eligibility to work in the US.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in plant molecular genetics.
• Experience in plant-microbe interactions.
• Experience in protein biochemistry.
• Experience in receptor kinase signaling.
• Experience in protein-protein interaction assays.
• Experience in phosphorylation analysis.
• Experience in Arabidopsis research.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how extracellular signaling molecules, including extracellular NAD(P) and salicylic acid (SA), are sensed at the plant cell surface and how these signals activate local and systemic immune responses.
• Use molecular, genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to define receptor activation mechanisms.
• Determine how extracellular immune signaling interfaces with intracellular SA signaling and systemic immunity.
• Conduct research in areas such as receptor-ligand interactions, receptor kinase activation and phosphorylation, protein-protein interactions, calcium and other early immune signaling events, genetic analysis of immune signaling pathways, and characterization of local and systemic disease resistance.
• Develop new mechanistic insights into plant immune signaling.
• Contribute to high-impact publications.

Benefits

• Commensurate with Education and Experience

What This Job Offers

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