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Postdoctoral Scholar for Drought Tolerance & Gene Editing

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Position description

A post-doctoral position is available in the laboratory of Gail Taylor to work on a DOE-funded project that is part of the DOE program ‘Genome enabled plant biology’ https://science.osti.gov/-/media/ber/pdf/Genome-Enabled-Plant-Biology---Awards-List.pdf?la=en&hash=500753C7B4181166606BBAC9228444E05BFDE87E, in a project entitled ‘Combining genome-wide association studies and expression quantitative trait nucleotide mapping with molecular and genetic validations to identify transcriptional networks regulating drought tolerance’. In a project funded in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, we will explore the ideotype for drought tolerance in bioenergy poplar trees in two unique resources for trees. Over 1,000 genotypes of P. trichocarpa that have been collected along the range of naturally droughted and wet environments of the western USA alongside a 1,000 tree collection of P. nigra collected from a similar droughted and wet range of environments in Europe. Together these two populations are already providing unique insights into genotype-phenotype relationships for yield and biofuel potential and here we will plant a new 10 acre trial to investigate drought tolerance. The aim of this research is to determine the genetic basis of drought tolerance in bioenergy Populus enabling tree improvement and the wide-scale deployment of Populus for bioenergy in marginal and droughted environments. Genetic loci identified by GWAS, shown to be hub genes in eQTN mapping and validated to be master regulators in the hierarchal transcriptional regulatory networks will be the primary targets for transgenic and genome-editing studies. You will initiate CRISPR-Cas protocols for Populus at Davis, in collaboration with the Transformation Center and expertise in this technology or similar transgenesis approach, tissue culture, molecular biology and bioinformatics would be welcome. At the same time, involvement with field phenotyping will also be part of this role. This position is a three year post beginning as soon as possible.

Qualifications:

A PhD is required. Applicants should have training and experience in plant molecular biology, bioinformatics and quantitative skills in data handling an analysis. Previous research using CRISPR or similar technologies is preferred. Ability to deal interrogate genotyping data and to identify gene hub targets, including using the latest pipelines developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory would be helpful although training will be given. The successful candidate should be happy to work both independently and to interact with the research team at UC Davis and also our collaborative partners at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The successful candidate will be highly motivated and productive. Applicants with a proven record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and strong verbal and written skills are preferred.

Compensation:

Salary is based on years of experience as a postdoctoral scientists but will be a minimum of $50,760/year plus benefits. The successful candidate will be eligible for full benefits. For information about benefits and working as a post doctoral scientist at UC Davis, please see https://grad.ucdavis.edu/postdoctoral. This position is full-time and a start date as soon as possible is preferred, with a project that will continue for 30-36 months, depending on appointment date.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
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Job location

Davis, CA