A one-year postdoctoral research position is available starting immediately in the Plant-Insect Ecology and Evolution Lab under the supervision of Dr. Juli Carrillo (http://lfs-carrillo.sites.olt.ubc.ca/) at the University of British Columbia. The lab is affiliated with the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems & the Biodiversity Research Centre, and is located in the vibrant and beautiful city of Vancouver. The postdoctoral fellow will make a vital contribution to the Genome BC funded project entitled: Transcriptome and metabolite profiling of crop- pest interactions under elevated CO2. The project aims to facilitate agricultural adaptation to climate change and to improve management guidelines for greenhouse crops commonly grown with supplemental CO2, through characterizing changes to plant physiological responses relevant to plant-pest-predator interactions. The research will be applied in focus, but will also increase basic understanding of plant signaling and defensive behaviour.
Specific research activities include measuring primary and secondary metabolite production in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) after insect herbivory, including plant defense compounds (e.g. with GC-MS, HPLC), and the induction of defense genes dependent on plant signaling pathways and CO2 levels using a transcriptomics approach complemented by targeted gene expression assays (RNA-Seq & qPCR). Of particular interest is the biosynthesis of volatile organic compounds involved in the attraction of herbivore natural enemies. The postdoc will communicate between the Project Leaders, Juli Carrillo and Simone Castellarin (http://castellarin- lab.landfood.ubc.ca/), and with a graduate student working on the project measuring insect herbivore performance. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a related field, e.g. Biochemistry, Botany, Molecular Biology, or Plant Sciences. Experience in transcriptome analysis is required, and experience in analytical chemistry (GC/MS, LC/MS) is a plus. Student mentorship is expected. The postdoc appointment will be for one year, with the possibility for extension. Application process: Interested candidates should apply by Oct 31, 2018, but the position will be filled as soon as possible. Applicants can submit their CV and names of three referees to Dr. Juli Carrillo at juli.carri...@ubc.ca with the words “Genome BC Postdoc” in the subject line. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Selection Criteria: The selection of the candidate will be based on the following criteria: 1) a PhD in an appropriate field of biological research, 2) a sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience in molecular biology and plant science, 3) experience with techniques for gene expression analyses, 4) experience in the bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomes, including differential expression analysis, 5) ability to conduct high quality independent and innovative research with the ability to carry work through to publication, 6) well-developed verbal and written communication skills, 7) ability to work effectively both in an independent role and collaboratively with others in a diverse academic setting.
