Postdoctoral Positions in Plant Biology

Employer: The University of South Carolina, Columbia

Location: United States (US)

Salary: Above $30,000

Postdoctoral Positions in Plant Biology

University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA

Two postdoc positions are immediately available in the group of Dr. Zhengqing Fu at the University of South Carolina, Columbia. Our lab studies molecular plant-pathogen interactions with a focus on salicylic acid signaling. Previous work identified the first mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase called HopU1 in plants or plant pathogens (Fu et al., 2007 Nature 447: 284). HopU1, as a type III effector from the plant bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, targets RNA-binding proteins to suppress plant defense. It was reported that NPR3 and NPR4 function as the salicylic acid receptors in plants (Fu et al., 2012 Nature 486: 228). Recently, we discovered that salicylic acid promotes the interaction between NPR1 and the P. syringae type III effector HopAB2. HopAB2 mediates the degradation of salicylic acid-activated NPR1 via the 26S proteasome dependent on its E3 ligase activity to subvert plant immunity (Chen et al., Cell Host & Microbe under revision).

The research projects focus on two topics: how we can increase our understanding of salicylic acid signaling during plant defense against pathogen infection and how plant pathogens modify salicylic acid pathway to cause diseases.
We are seeking to recruit a creative and motivated person to fill this position. The incumbent is expected to develop innovative approaches to address fundamental questions in salicylic acid signaling and/or molecular plant-pathogen interactions. 
Specific duties:
1. Design experiments (20%)
2. Perform molecular and genetic studies related to the projects (60%)
3. Prepare publications, presentations and summaries (20%)
We are part of an interactive plant group of internationally recognized faculty. Columbia is located in the Midlands of South Carolina only two to three hours away from the Appalachian Mountains and the beautiful Atlantic coast line.
The position is available for up to three years, depending on performance.

Qualifications:
A PhD degree in Plant Pathology, Plant Biology, Biochemistry or a closely related field
A solid publication record
Strong oral and written communications skills
Excellent molecular biology skills and knowledge in molecular plant-pathogen interactions

How to apply:
Please send a description of current and past research experience, research interests and future goals, a list of technical expertise, a CV, and e-mail addresses and phone numbers of at least two references.