Postdoc Position - Signaling via pollen receptor kinases, Plant Gene
Expression Center, UC-Berkeley, Albany, CA
We are studying the signaling pathways mediated by pollen-specific
receptor-like kinases in tomato (Plant Cell 10:319-330, 1998). In
recent work, we have used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify
ligands and downstream protein partners for these kinases. We have
confirmed one of the ligand-kinase interactions using
co-immunoprecipitation assays (see Abstract from ASPP mini-symposium
at http://www.rycomusa.com/aspp2001/public/M14/0953.html), and we
have confirmed the interaction between the kinases and one downstream
component, a potentially highly phosphorylated but otherwise
uncharacterized protein, KPP1 (kinase partner protein). A 2nd round
Y2H screen with KPP revealed potential interactions with cytoplasmic
components already implicated in pollen tube growth. The postdoctoral
fellow will carry out experiments to decipher the downstream
components of the signaling pathway(s), including pulldown assays,
deletion analyses and phenotypic and biochemical analyses of T-DNA
insertions in the Arabidopsis homologs of the kinase partner
proteins. Training and a publication record in biochemistry and
molecular biology is required. Prior experience with reproductive
biology and/or kinases is a plus, but prior experience with plants is
not necessary. Familiarity with bioinformatics is desirable. Funding
is available for at least 2 years, but the potential for obtaining
partial salary support via fellowship applications will be considered
in applicant selection. Position available now, although a later
start date can be negotiated; open until filled. Salary ~$30K. For
consideration send a CV with a list of publications, a short
statement of research interests and the names and e-mail addresses
and/or phone numbers of 3 references to: sheilamc at nature.berkeley.edu
or to Sheila McCormick, Plant Gene Expression Center, 800 Buchanan
St., Albany, CA 94710; FAX (510)-559-5678 For more information about
the other projects in the lab, see
http://www.pgec.usda.gov/McCormick/mclab.html
