The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will be part of a collaborative team using molecular, cellular, and –omics approaches to study plant-virus interactions. The primary objective of the position is to develop infectious clones for -sense and/or +sense viruses infecting plants. This postdoc will be a scientist on an industry-funded project to develop new strategies for crop improvement using viral vectors.
The postdoc will work with mechanically transmitted and insect-transmitted viruses. Initial work will focus on characterizing the basic biology of the virus and optimizing carrying capacity and transmission. The postdoc will also mentor and manage undergraduate researchers.
Other duties as assigned. The postdoc will also develop weekly research reports for the PI and monthly reports for the funders (private sector partners). Assist with maintenance of plants, viruses, and insect colonies. Training and mentoring other lab members.
Requirements and Preferences:
- Ph.D. in Virology, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline with an emphasis in Plant Virology-Plant Host Interactions.
- Demonstrated experience with experimental design and statistical analysis, molecular biology, handling plant and/or insect viruses.
- We are searching for an independent researcher with excellent scientific and writing skills.
- Mentoring experience or a desire to mentor undergraduate researchers is an important component of this position.
- Molecular biology skills required: primer design, RNA handling, protein expression, western and northern blots, high-throughput sequencing, and RT-qPCR.
- Experience manipulating viruses in non-model crops is a plus.
- Experience with cloning RNA plant viruses, construction of full-length infectious clones and mutagenesis of regulatory regions.
- Some experience with transmission biology of insect-borne viruses.
Applicant Information:
Apply via this link: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/169394
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