Postdoctoral Research Associate I

The candidate will have the primary responsibility of designing, generating, and testing synthetic biology (SynBio) tools that aim to understand and control long distance signaling pathways in plants. The candidate will perform physiological assays to test the ability of these tools to induce local and long-distance responses in plants, using molecular and biochemical signatures as readouts. The candidate will also generate transgenic plant lines and will be responsible for their cultivation. They will direct and mentor undergraduate and graduate research associates. The candidate will also be expected to engage in collaborations (both large and small) within the NSF STC and the Woodson lab. The candidate will be required to work with potentially hazardous materials such as toxic chemicals.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Engages with the NSF STC CROPPS in the form of bi-weekly meetings, collaborations, and on-site conferences
• Will develop synthetic constructs to be expressed in plants.
• Perform gene expression studies.
• Generation of transgenic plants lines followed by genotyping and phenotyping of these lines.
• Maintaining healthy plant growth and propagation.
• Participates in scientific data collections, reductions and analyses involving routine procedures characterized by moderate use of independent judgement.
• Communicates and coordinates activities of collaborating researchers while accurately logging activities. Assists in the coordination of laboratory personnel.
• Maintains detailed records of studies conducted, organizes data, prepares data for computer input and records computer output. 
• Compiles data and generates computerized statistical data for analytical purposes using software packages; makes preliminary analyses and assists researchers in interpreting the data. 
• Writes summaries of projects, documenting location, findings, and procedures used and assists in writing reports by conducting literature searches and background research; prepares bibliographies as required. 
• Operates laboratory and experimental equipment such as microscopes, thermocyclers, centrifuges, analytical balances, photometers, and spectrometers. Performs minor repairs and plans for major repairs to be performed. 
• Assists with maintenance of the laboratory, inventories, and requisitions for supplies. 
• Trains students and staff in the operation of equipment and/or in the performance of technical procedures.
• Willingness to travel and present work (both oral and poster presentations) at international conferences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skills sets based around the development of synthetic biology tools and tool kits
• Deep knowledge of plant stress physiology, molecular genetics, and cell biology
• Proficiency with gene expression techniques (RT-qPCR, RNA-seq)
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in casual interactions (within the lab, email) and formal presentations (seminars, manuscripts)
• Ability to read, interpret, and explain scientific literature
• Ability to work with others in the lab and to collaborate with colleagues at U of A and other campuses
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and an ability to interact and work collaboratively with others are essential qualifications.

• Ph.D. in Plant Sciences, Molecular Biology, or equivalent field upon hire.
• Has first author, peer-reviewed, primary research publication(s)

• Ph.D. and proven experience in plant physiology and a strong background in molecular genetics and/or cell biology.
• Research experience in plant physiology, molecular genetics, metabolism, and biochemistry.
• Experience with the analysis of large data sets (e.g., RNA-Seq, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Experience growing and working with Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana benthamiana, and tomato,
• Experience with microscopy (e.g., confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy)