Postdoctoral Researcher position: Functional characterization and regulation of nuclear GSH localization

The Lee Lab in the Department of Biology at UNC Chapel Hill is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance our understanding of the connection between metabolites and development in plants. For plants to respond to stress, they must perceive environmental inputs and then convert that perception into a developmental output. A growing body of evidence suggests that metabolites may bridge the gap between stress perception and developmental output via “moonlighting” functions outside of their role in metabolism. Recently, we showed that the metabolite GSH links injury response and cell cycle regulation during regeneration of the Arabidopsis root tip. Now, we aim to characterize the mechanism underlying GSH-based cell cycle control. 
We will use techniques including ML-guided imaging cytometry, long term time lapse microscopy, and MS-based characterization of non-cannonical PTMs to study how metabolites coordinate stress and development in plants. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge project at a top ranked university in the thriving research triangle.


Position Overview:
Preferred starting time January-February 2026 (flexible).The postdoctoral researcher will investigate how the subcellular localization of the metabolite glutathione is regulated and contributes to cell cycle regulation in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. 

Techniques planned:
•       Imaging cytometry for quantitative analysis of subcellular metabolite localization.
•       High-throughput CRISPR screening.
•       Transcriptome data generation and analysis.
•       Cloning and development of several constructs.
•       Characterization of mutant and over-expression lines.
•       Confocal, light sheet, and time lapse microscopy of root development and cell cycle regulation.

Joint Responsibilities:
•       Postdoctoral fellowship writing to further fund the project eg: NIH F32.
•       Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
•       Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab as needed.

Qualifications Required:
•       Ph.D. in cellular, molecular, or plant biology, genetics or a related field.
•       Experience in molecular biology, data analysis and bioinformatics tools.
•       Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:
•       Experience with protoplasts, RNA-sequencing, CRISPR, FACS, root development, microscopy.
•       Programming skills (e.g., R) and proficiency with statistical analysis.

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
•       A short cover letter describing your research interests, experience, and career goals.
•       A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
•       Contact information of two or three mentors.

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 Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please email your application materials as a single PDF file to [email protected] or [email protected].