*Postdoctoral position - UC Davis - molecular biology, ecology, small RNAs, insect physiology, plant-vector interactions, plant-microbe interactions, endosymbionts*
A postdoctoral position is available in the Casteel lab at UC Davis, starting after March 2015. The primary research goal of the Casteel lab is to identify the functions of microbes in plant-insect interactions and elucidate the key molecular mechanisms responsible for these relationships. We use a combination of molecular biology, genetics, genomics and biochemistry together with field and laboratory trials to elucidate molecular mechanisms. The focus of this position in the lab is on Solanaceous plant interactions with insect vectors. Specifically they will examine phloem mobile small RNAs in Solanaceous plants and the impact of pathogens on vector-plant interactions. For more information on the lab: http://casteel.faculty.ucdavis.edu/ *Minimum qualifications:* Applicants for the postdoctoral position should be within 3 years of receiving their PhD. Applicants must be able to do independent research, have good written and verbal communication skills, and must be highly self-motivated. *Preferred qualifications:* I am particularly interested in candidates that have a strong background and publication record in molecular biology/biochemistry, insect physiology, symbiont-insect interactions, bioinformatics (or analyzing large data sets - RNAseq, proteomics, etc.), protein-protein interactions and/or closely related fields. Applicants with a proven record of publication and experience working in the area of plant-microbe or plant-insect interactions will be preferred. Candidates with a proven record of excellence in related areas will be seriously considered. Salary range: $39,000-44,000 with excellent benefits. Duration: one year, but renewable upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. *How to Apply / Contact:* Qualified candidates should submit the following to ccast...@ucdavis.edu: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, and contact information for three referees. The subject of the email should be “Postdoc position: Plant-vector interactions” and each file submitted should start with your last name in the title. For more information contact Clare Casteel at ccast...@ucdavis.edu.
