[Arabidopsis] Postdoc position in Wildermuth Lab at UC Berkeley

[Mary Wildermuth]

Postdoctoral Scholar Position at UC Berkeley:  Host mechanisms =
underlying the sustained growth and reproduction of plant obligate =
biotroph

 The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at The University of =
California, Berkeley invites applications for a full-time NSF-funded =
Postdoctoral Scholar - Employee position starting Summer/early Fall =
2010.  The successful candidate will employ state-of-art molecular =
genetic, cell biology, biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches to =
elucidate regulatory networks controlling host processes required for =
the sustained growth and reproduction of powdery mildew on Arabidopsis =
thaliana, building on work described in Chandran et al. (2010) PNAS 107: =
460-5.  As part of this work, we found nuclear ploidy increased in host =
mesophyll cells underlying the infected epidermal cell.  Abrogation of =
induced endoreduplication resulted in reduced growth of the powdery =
mildew suggesting it is required to meet the enhanced metabolic demands =
imposed by the fungus.  Sugar metabolism is also altered at the =
infection site, with conversion of these cells from a carbon source to =
sink.  Given the induced and localized nature of this system, controls =
over fundamental processes such as the cell cycle and sugar metabolism =
can be elucidated with minimal pleiotropic or developmental impacts.  =
The successful candidate will integrate cell biological, biochemical, =
molecular genetic and informatic approaches to eludicate these =
fundamental processes, their regulation, and function in the powdery =
mildew =96 Arabidopsis interaction.

Position Qualifications:  Ph.D. in genetics, cell biology, molecular =
biology, biochemistry or related discipline is required, as is molecular =
cloning experience.  Applicants with research experience investigating =
the cell cycle or sugar metabolism and regulation are particularly =
encouraged to apply.  Successful applicants will be highly motivated, =
independent, and with excellent written and oral communication skills.  =
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Appointments =
at UC Berkeley are for one year subject to renewal.  NSF funding covers =
three years.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, summary of research =
experience, and contact information for three references via email to =
Dr. Mary C. Wildermuth at mwildermuth from berkeley.edu.  Applications =
received before June 15, 2010 will be considered.  The University of =
California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.