Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology - UTK

About the role

The Chin lab in the Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology at UTK is seeking a highly motivated full-time postdoctoral researcher to join our team. Our work focuses on how the actin cytoskeleton regulates mechanical signaling to orchestrate root growth and development using a combination of molecular biology, genetics, and microscopy in plant models such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula.

Responsibilities

• Work on a project on understanding actin organization that drives anisotropic cell growth in roots.
• Conduct mutational analyses including identifying, generating, and characterizing mutations affecting pathways in actin regulation.
• Generate and test genetically encoded markers to determine protein function.
• Complement protein biochemical analysis with microscopy and imaging-based approaches.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. by summer 2026 in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, genetics, plant biology, biochemistry or related field, with official transcript provided as verification.
• Experience: Publications in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, genetics or a related field. Strong experience in cloning, microscopy with relevant publications to demonstrate expertise.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Ability to design and conduct independent research experiments and problem-solving ability. Strong organizational, communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications And Skills

• A strong publication record, preferably first author.
• Familiarity with plant model systems and plant physiology, e.g., Arabidopsis.
• Experience with confocal microscopy or imaging-based approaches and imaging analysis.
• Experience with molecular cloning including CRISPR-Cas9, fluorescent tagging, domain swapping.
• Experience with SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.

About The Department

The University of Tennessee Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) is home to over 400 undergraduate majors. Housed in the Ken and Blaire Mossman (1311 Cumberland Ave.) and Hesler Biology and Greenhouse (1406 Circle Dr.) Buildings, our research teams of faculty, undergrads, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows are working on topics ranging from molecular structure to organismal levels.