The Lei Zhang lab at Purdue University is seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher. Candidates with strong background in molecular plant-microbe/pest interactions or plant molecular biology are encouraged to apply. Prior research experience in plant-parasitic nematodes is not required for application.
Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic soil-borne roundworms. They infect and damage plant roots causing annual crop losses valued at $80-$118 billion worldwide. The Zhang lab is aimed to enhance understanding of plant resistance to nematodes, plant-nematode-microbe interactions and nematode biology at molecular, organismal and population levels. Research results have been published on prestigious journals, including Nature Plants, PLOS Pathogens, Molecular Plant Pathology, Plant Disease.
Job Summary: The appointee will have opportunities to be trained and work on basic and translational research: (1) study soybean cyst nematode (SCN) virulence, development and behaviors to discover molecular targets for nematode control; (2) The appointee is expected to collect, analyze data, and prepare peer-reviewed journal articles. The appointee also has opportunities to assist in preparing grant proposals or develop his/her own proposals related to plant-parasitic nematodes.
Required qualifications:
· A PhD in plant pathology, plant science, molecular biology or a related discipline.
· Experience and demonstrated skills in molecular biology or plant-pest/microbe interactions.
· Excellent communication and writing skills.
· Proven ability to work independently and to work in teams.
Preferred qualifications:
· Experience with analysis of NGS data and execution of bioinformatic pipelines.
Position term: initially for 12 months and can be renewed based on performance.
Salary and benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, starting at $47,500/year. Benefits are provided via Purdue University.
How to apply: Screening of applications will begin on November 2, 2022 and will continue until the position has been filled.
Candidates should apply directly to Dr. Lei Zhang via email to (leizhang@purdue.edu) by submitting a single PDF file containing: (1) cover letter; (2) current CV; (3) contact information of three references. The subject of the email should be “Postdoctoral researcher”.
Anticipated start date: January 2, 2023 and is negotiable.
The College of Agriculture at Purdue University is one of the world’s leading colleges of agricultural, food, life, and natural resource sciences and ranked sixth in the US in the 2019 QS World University Rankings. Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.