We are currently looking for a self-motivated Postdoctoral Associate to work in the laboratory of Dr. Jorge Dubcovsky at the University of California, Davis. Jorge Dubcovsky investigates the developmental processes and disease-resistance gene networks that affect wheat growth and productivity. Using genomic tools, Dubcovsky’s team has mapped, isolated, and cloned developmental genes involved in flowering initiation, spike development, and senescence. By dissecting wheat gene networks and creating a public mutation database, his work is helping breed varieties of wheat that are more nutritious, resistant to pathogens, and better able to adapt to our changing climate. More information can be found on the lab’s website: https://dubcovskylab.ucdavis.edu/home
In our laboratory, we are interested in wheat development and in the mechanisms involved in the integration of multiple environmental and internal signals in the regulation of major meristem transitions. We are interested in manipulating these changes to engineer a more productive wheat plant. Our laboratory has made major contributions in the identification of vernalization and photoperiod genes involved in the transition of the shoot apical meristem from the vegetative to reproductive stage. We are also interested in the transition between the inflorescence meristem into a terminal spikelet, which is critical in the determination of the number of spikelets per spike. Lab publications at https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_O7tkOQAAAAJ&hl=en.
What we provide:
A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
Opportunity to work in a diverse and motivating research environment
Opportunities to attend domestic conferences in addition to departmental and HHMI retreats to present scientific funding.
Opportunities to mentor undergraduate researchers and help train the next generation of scientists
Live in the beautiful and family friendly Davis town, close to beautiful natural wonders of California and close to Sacramento (20 min) and San Francisco (2 h).
What you’ll do:.
You will lead projects to improve wheat productivity by accelerating plant growth and engineering spikes with more and larger grains.
You will contribute to establish the regulatory pathways of wheat flowering and spike development.
You will use mutants and transgenic wheat plants to dissect the function and interactions of the genes in these regulatory pathways.
You will use multiple approaches to understand gene and protein function including yeast one-, two, and three hybrid systems, coIP, CHIPseq, RNAseq, in situ hybridization and spatial transcriptomics.
You will do experiments in controlled chambers, greenhouses and field settings and will translate discoveries into commercial wheat varieties from our breeding program.
What you bring:
A Ph.D. in molecular biology, plant development, plant molecular genetics or a related field is required.
Experience with laboratory-based research in these areas is required.
Experience in wheat or barley molecular genetics is a plus but not a requisite.
Ability to learn quickly and to work both independently and within a team.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of biochemical techniques is an advantage.
High level of integrity and excellent interpersonal skills.
Positive attitude with a problem-solving, resilient approach.
Application Instructions Please include the following items in one PDF as part of your application:
A cover letter including a summary of your research experience, your career goals, and your expertise in the relevant field(s).
Your curriculum vitae includes a list of publications.
Names and contact information for at least 3 references.
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
