Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Immunity and Extracellular Immune Signaling

About the Position

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Zhonglin Mou in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida. The position is supported by a newly funded three-year USDA/NIFA grant focused on understanding extracellular immune signaling in plants.

Research Focus

The successful candidate will investigate how extracellular signaling molecules, including extracellular NAD(P) and salicylic acid (SA), are sensed at the plant cell surface and how these signals activate local and systemic immune responses. Our research has identified lectin receptor kinases as key components of extracellular NAD(P) and SA signaling pathways that contribute to systemic acquired resistance (Li et al., Extracellular salicylic acid activates immune signaling through cell-surface receptors. bioRxiv 2026). The postdoctoral researcher will use molecular, genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to define receptor activation mechanisms and determine how extracellular immune signaling interfaces with intracellular SA signaling and systemic immunity.

Potential Research Areas

• Receptor-ligand interactions
• Receptor kinase activation and phosphorylation
• Protein-protein interactions
• Calcium and other early immune signaling events
• Genetic analysis of immune signaling pathways
• Characterization of local and systemic disease resistance

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant biology, plant pathology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field
• Strong experimental skills
• Solid publication record
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system
• Commitment to UF core values

Preferred Experience

• Plant molecular genetics
• Plant-microbe interactions
• Protein biochemistry
• Receptor kinase signaling
• Protein-protein interaction assays
• Phosphorylation analysis
• Arabidopsis research

Application Instructions

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date and submit:

• Cover letter describing research experience and interests
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US.