Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Listed on 2026-08-05
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Research/Development
Research Scientist
Postdoctoral Research Scholar
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.
Grapevine red blotch disease has emerged as a major threat to winegrape production throughout North America in recent decades. We aim to develop tools and protocols for grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) detection in insects and plants. We will integrate these new technologies with established methods to better understandGRBVlocalization in the insect vector throughout circulative transmission and make strides in understandingGRBVlatency in grapevine and experimental plant hosts.
The detection tools developed will also have applications for red blotch diagnostics.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The postdoctoral research scholar will expressGRBVproteins in prokaryotic and eukaryotic (insect and plant) cells and purify proteins for antibody production. (50%)CharacterizeGRBVdissemination and tissue tropism in insect vectors with in situ methods. (50%)Molecular analysis of viral genomes, gene expression, and gene function.
Primer design,DNA/RNAhandling, protein expression, Western blotting.
Develop and test standardized procedures for determining vector competence on candidate vectors.
Other Work/Responsibilities
- Develop weekly research reports for the PI and quarterly 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.
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.
Demonstrated experience with experimental design and statistical analysis, molecular biology, handling plant and/or insect viruses.
Molecular biology skills required: primer design,DNA/RNAhandling, 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.
Valid NC Driver's License required? - Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required? - No
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