Postdoctoral positions

[Ljerka Kunst]

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN PLANT LIPID METABOLISM/BIOTECHNOLOGY

available at the

UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

VANCOUVER, CANADA

We are seeking two highly motivated individuals interested in (1) the 
regulation/cell biology of surface wax deposition in Arabidopsis, and 
(2) manipulating seed fatty acid metabolism in Arabidopsis to create 
industrially interesting oil profiles.

The successful candidate for the first position (Surface wax 
deposition) will be involved in one of the following projects: 1) 
Identification and characterization of novel wax-biosynthetic genes 
using genetic screens and gene knockouts, 2) cellular localization of 
wax biosynthetic enzymes and wax secretion, or 3) genetic engineering 
of wax composition and wax load.  Applicants should have proven 
research skills in molecular biology, with particular emphasis on 
analysis of plant gene expression and molecular genetic manipulation 
of plants. Experience in plant cell biology, especially confocal 
microscopy of living tissue, cryofixation, immunolocalization, or 
with genetic screens and analysis of Arabidopsis mutants would be 
advantageous.

The second position (Metabolic engineering of oilseeds) involves 
functional analyses of a number of seed oil biosynthetic enzymes to 
optimize the production of hydroxylated fatty acids in transgenic 
crops. The successful candidate will join a dynamic international 
team of researchers at the leading edge of oilseed engineering 
interested in creating novel commercial products for industrial use. 
Applicants are expected to have a strong background in molecular 
biology and biochemistry. Experience in plant lipid metabolism or 
expression of proteins in microbial systems would be highly desirable.

Both positions require excellent communication skills and are 
available immediately. Salary will be competitive and commensurate 
with qualification and experience. Interested candidates should send 
a cover letter outlining research experience and interests, a 
curriculum vitae, and the names and phone numbers of 3 referees to 
Ljerka Kunst, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, 
6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4, Canada; FAX (604) 
822-6089; E-mail kunst at interchange.ubc.ca.



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