Postdoctoral Research Scholar - DEPP

About the role

The scientist will be part of a collaborative team using plant rhabdoviruses for crop improvement. Work will focus on optimizing carrying capacity of the virus and delivery of proteins and RNAs to maize using the maize mosaic virus (MMV) vector. The candidate will work with insect-transmitted viruses.

Responsibilities

• Develop weekly research reports for the PI and monthly reports to the funding agency.
• Contribute to proposal writing and disseminating research findings to the broader community.
• Maintenance of virus and insect colonies.
• Training and mentoring other lab members.
• Work will focus on optimizing carrying capacity of the virus and construction of full-length infectious clones of viruses and mutagenesis of regulatory regions (50%).
• Ability to generate infectious clones of plant viruses and/or gene expression experience.
• Knowledge of genome editing approaches for crop improvement (50%).

Requirements

• Ability to generate infectious clones of plant viruses and/or gene expression experience.
• Knowledge of genome editing approaches for crop improvement.
• Demonstrated experience with experimental design and statistical analysis, molecular biology, handling plant viruses/pathogens and/or insect viruses.
• Molecular biology skills required: primer design, DNA/RNA handling, protein expression, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR.

Preferences

• Excellent scientific and writing skills.
• Experience with cloning plant viruses, construction of full-length infectious clones and mutagenesis of regulatory regions.
• Experience and/or knowledge of maize genetics and pathogen interactions.
• Experience with transmission biology of insect-borne viruses, herbivorous insect husbandry and/or genome editing of plants is preferred.
• Mentoring experience or a desire to mentor undergraduate researchers is an important component of this position.

Qualifications

• Valid NC Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire.

Skills

• Valid NC Driver's License required.

Benefits

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits: As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Pay

Commensurate with Experience.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm