Postdoctoral Research Scholar - DEPP

Postdoctoral Research Scholar - DEPP

Essential

Job Duties
- We are a dynamic research team focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of plant-virus-vector interactions. Our mission is to develop new foundational knowledge of plant viruses and to translate this information into new control strategies and biotechnology tools for crop improvement. The scientist will be part of a collaborative team using plant rhabdoviruses for crop improvement. Work will focus on optimizing carrying capacity of the virus and delivery of proteins and RNAs to maize using the maize mosaic virus (MMV) vector.

The candidate will work with insect-transmitted viruses.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop weekly research reports for the PI and monthly reports to the funding agency. Contribute to proposal writing and disseminating research findings to the broader community. Maintenance of virus and insect colonies. Training and mentoring other lab members. Work will focus on optimizing carrying capacity of the virus and construction of full-length infectious clones of viruses and mutagenesis of regulatory regions (50%).

Ability to generate infectious clones of plant viruses and/or gene expression experience. Knowledge of genome editing approaches for crop improvement. (50%)

Other Work/Responsibilities
- 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

Work Schedule
- Monday
- Friday, 8am - 5pm

Department Required Skills
- Ability to generate infectious clones of plant viruses and/or gene expression experience. Knowledge of genome editing approaches for crop improvement. Demonstrated experience with experimental design and statistical analysis, molecular biology, handling plant viruses/pathogens and/or insect viruses. Molecular biology skills required: primer design, DNA/RNA handling, protein expression, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
- We are searching for an independent researcher with:
Excellent scientific and writing skills. Experience with cloning plant viruses, construction of full-length infectious clones and mutagenesis of regulatory regions. Experience and/or knowledge of maize genetics and pathogen interactions. Experience with transmission biology of insect-borne viruses, herbivorous insect husbandry and/or genome editing of plants is preferred. Mentoring experience or a desire to mentor undergraduate researchers is an important component of this position.

Required License or Certification
- Valid NC Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire. The incumbent may need to drive to other campus locations for research (greenhouse, phytotron, microscope).

Valid NC Driver's License required? - Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required? - No

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range
- Commensurate with Experience.

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date - 07/14/2026

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