The Department of Plant & Microbial Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the Seed Lab in the area of phage-bacterial interactions.
The Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct laboratory research as part of Dr. Kim Seed’s NIH-funded grant to explore how mobile genetic elements contribute to phage resistance in the diarrheal pathogen Vibrio cholerae. This position is focused on certain mobile elements, called phage satellites, that have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to exploit phages for their own selfish spread. Such elements interfere with the replication of the phages they parasitize and as such, provide their cellular hosts with a means to reduce phage predation.
Our lab discovered PLEs (for phage-inducible chromosomal island-like elements) in V. cholerae that provide robust phage defense against the dominant lytic phage co-circulating with epidemic V. cholerae strains. Upon phage infection, PLE excises from the bacterial chromosome, replicates to high copy, and is assembled into virions that spread the PLE genome to new cells. The primary purpose of this Postdoctoral Scholar position is to conduct mentor-facilitated independent hypothesis-driven research aimed at understanding the mechanistic basis for how PLE manipulates virion assembly.
The proposed studies are expected to reveal novel mechanistic paradigms not previously documented in phage satellites or other anti-phage defense systems. Prospective applicants with interests extending beyond this particular project but relevant to the lab’s overall focus are also encouraged to apply.
The appointee will communicate results in peer-reviewed publications, meetings, and relevant conferences as appropriate. The appointee will participate in mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications(required at time of application)
PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program.
Additional qualifications(required at time of start)
PhD (or equivalent international degree) required by the appointment start date.
The candidate should have no more than four years of post-degree research experience by start date.
Preferred qualifications
- Prior experience in recombinant protein expression, molecular biology, and viral assembly.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team and build effective relationships.
- Demonstrated curiosity, motivation to be challenged and excitement to further our understanding of the conflict between phage and mobile genetic elements.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter
Reference requirements
- 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link:https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF03657
Help contact: kseed@berkeley.edu
Position title: Postdoctoral Employee
Salary range: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and based on the Seed Lab Postdoc Salary Scale for Level 0-4. $55,932 – $65,112
Percent time: 100
Anticipated start: Fall 2022
Next review date: Monday, Oct 10, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Nov 24, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.