Institution
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Location
Madison, WI, USA
Close Date
Until filled

Description
A postdoctoral position is available immediately at University of Wisconsin-Madison. A highly motivated individual is sought to analyze molecular and cellular changes associated with desiccation tolerance in plants and other organisms. These studies will integrate advanced light and electron tomography imaging with molecular genetics and biochemistry, in the laboratory of Dr. Marisa Otegui.

The postdoctoral fellow will be a member of the Water and Life Interface Institute (WALII). WALII studies how life interacts with water, from the molecular to the organismal level, across plants, fungi, and animals. WALII is a virtual institute, with scientists located at nine research facilities across the United States. Working together, WALII team members aim to uncover the rules by which organisms interact with water, exploring four integrated themes: 1) the physical and molecular determinants that allow organisms to survive in the solid state; 2) rehydration responses in desiccation-tolerant and -sensitive systems; 3) the molecular grammar of desiccation tolerance conferred by intrinsically disordered proteins; and 4) the short- and long-term evolutionary history of desiccation tolerance. WALII team members have diverse expertise, ranging from biophysics to plant biology, and experience with several desiccation-tolerant and -sensitive systems.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, cell biology, imaging, plant biology, genetics, or a related field.
• Experience with microscopy imaging.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with transmission electron microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy.

Institution
University of California, Berkeley
Location
Berkley, CA, USA
Salary
$65,000 / year
Open Date
November 2022
Close Date
Until filled

Description
The Exposito-Alonso Laboratory seeks to recruit a highly motivated and skilled researcher with training in molecular biology, plant genetics, or bioengineering. We aim to understand the impacts of climate change on plant species, from a molecular evolution angle. The project will leverage ecological genomics modeling to identify genes involved in dehydration tolerance and water use efficiency in Arabidopsis, and will use CRISPR-based genetic engineering, developmental genetics, and microscopy techniques to understand the molecular mechanism of such adaptive genes.

The postdoctoral fellow will be a member of the Water and Life Interface Institute (WALII). WALII studies how life interacts with water, from the molecular to the organismal level, across plants, fungi, and animals. WALII is a virtual institute, with scientists located at nine research facilities across the United States. Working together, WALII team members aim to uncover the rules by which organisms interact with water, exploring four integrated themes: 1) the physical and molecular determinants that allow organisms to survive in the solid state; 2) rehydration responses in desiccation-tolerant and -sensitive systems; 3) the molecular grammar of desiccation tolerance conferred by intrinsically disordered proteins; and 4) the short- and long-term evolutionary history of desiccation tolerance. WALII team members have diverse expertise, ranging from biophysics to plant biology, and experience with several desiccation-tolerant and -sensitive systems.

Responsibilities

• The position requires leading research independently, preparing publications, and presenting research in scientific meetings. Postdocs in the lab are also examples and mentors to graduate students.
  
• Designing and conducting phenotyping of dehydration traits in experiments in the greenhouse and/or field.
• Willingness to work closely with lab members, and initiative to be an active member of WALII.
• Contributing to lab-wide chores towards a productive and positive lab.
  

Qualifications

• BSc + PhD in any of the following areas: molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, bioengineering.
  
• A track record of research productivity and independence.