POSTDOCTORAL POSITION
Laboratory of Dr. Jian Hua
Department of Plant Biology
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
http://www.plantbio.cornell.edu/people658e.html?netID=jh299
A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Plant Biology at Cornell University to study molecular mechanisms by which plant defense responses are modulated by genetic repressors and temperature in Arabidopsis. The postdoc will investigate how the Arabidopsis BON1 and BAP1 genes negatively regulate disease resistance genes at the molecular and biochemical level. Applicants should have a Ph D with strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. Research experience in plant pathogen interaction is a plus. Applicant should send a letter of intent, a CV, and contact information of three references to Dr. Jian Hua via email (jh299@cornell.edu).--6/09

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
An opportunity has arisen to join the Wheat Pathogenomics Team at Rothamsted Research. The postdoctoral scientist will provide skilled technical and intellectual input to several projects aimed at improving our understanding of resistant and susceptible responses involving interactions between (i) fungal pathogens (Mycosphaerella graminicola, Fusarium graminearum / Fusarium culmorum and Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici) and their hosts (model plant species and cereal crops) and (ii) viral pathogens and their hosts (cereal crops and related species). An ideal candidate will have a PhD in molecular biology or plant genetics and be highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative, with qualifications and proven excellent skills and experience in molecular biology and plant genetics. Good experience in plant virology, including good knowledge of the main principles of VIGS (virus induced gene silencing) technology, some experience in exploiting disease resistance to plant pathogens (fungi or viruses) and some experience in bioinformatics would be desirable. Good organisational skills are essential, as is the ability to work effectively within different research teams. The candidate must be able to write publications for international journals, present and disseminate project results at national and international meetings. The appointment will be at Band D-PD level on the BBSRC scale, which has a starting salary normally within the range of £26,610 to £29,566 p.a. depending on the profile and experience. Informal enquiries about the position are encouraged via Kim Hammond-Kosack (kim.hammond-kosack@bbsrc.ac.uk) or Kostya Kanyuka (kostya.kanyuka@bbsrc.ac.uk). Apply by application form only, available with further particulars from www.rothamsted.ac.uk or from the HR Group, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ, rres.hr@bbsrc.ac.uk 01582 763133 x2617. Please quote reference 1102. Closing date: 9 July 2009. An Equal Opportunities Employer--6/09

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW - MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
Location: Truro-Bible Hill
Competition #: 2602CH-CB
Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC; www.nsac.ca) is a small research-intensive university located in the centre of beautiful Nova Scotia at Truro-Bible Hill. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture and its related life and social science disciplines, NSAC educates future leaders and generates knowledge and solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. NSAC seeks candidates to fill the position of Postdoctoral Fellow. Duties: The Postdoctoral Fellow will work in the plant science section of the Marine Bioproducts Research Laboratory. The successful candidate will study the physiological and molecular basis of plant resistance against microbial pathogens induced by bioactives compounds of marine plants. He/She will extensively use model plants; Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula. The successful candidate will use forward and reverse genetics to discover genes controlling plant responses to the marine plant products. Further, the candidate will be actively involved in the development of appropriate whole plant and molecular based bioassay systems to isolate active compound(s) from marine plants. The work will consist of a combination of field and laboratory activities. Research responsibilities will include data collection and analysis, writing reports, proposals and manuscripts, and performing experiments and supervising technical staff and students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate research productivity through publication in relevant refereed journals and through dissemination of results at scientific, industry and producer meetings. The Postdoctoral Fellow will collaborate with various industry partners and researchers from provincial and federal government institutions including National Research Council and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The successful candidate is expected to assume a role in research, technology transfer, and undergraduate and graduate student training. The applicant will be expected to maintain an open and active relationship with the contributing partners of this initiative. This is an opportunity for an independent graduate of a Ph.D. program to develop research, teaching, and management skills important to an academic career. Qualifications: Applicants must have Ph.D. degree (completed within the last two years) in Plant-microbe interaction, Molecular Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology with demonstrated experience in biochemical analyses, standard molecular biology techniques and plant transformation. Working knowledge of microarray technology will be a plus. Demonstrated skills in scientific methodologies and publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals are also required. Applicants must have demonstrated knowledge of current techniques in Molecular Plant-microbe interaction Proven ability in interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills is necessary. The selected candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. He/she will be expected to be innovative, creative, and solutions-oriented with a high level of integrity. Salary Range: Commensurate with education and experience. Review of applications to begin: July 20, 2009. Please Note: The position is initially for one year with a possible extension based on performance and productivity. Please quote competition #2602CH-CB in your cover letter and, if sending via e-mail, in the subject line when applying. Please forward your application/resume to: Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Human Resources Consultant, PO Box 550, Truro, NS, Canada B2N 5E3, Fax: 902-896-7078, E-mail: Resources-JobApps@gov.ns.ca. For more information about the position, please contact: Dr. B. Prithiviraj - Department of Plant and Animal Sciences, NSAC, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, (902)893-6643, or via e-mail: bprithiviraj@nsac.ca. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. NSAC is committed to the principle of employment equity. All applicants who are members of an Employment Equity group are encouraged to self-identify. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.--6/09

FACULTY POSITION IN PLANT AND
MICROBIAL BIOLOGY
The Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei is inviting applications for a research-focused faculty position in plant-microbe interactions, plant-related microbiology, secondary metabolites or microbial biotechnology. This position can be at the level of Assistant, Associate, or Full Research Fellow (equivalent to Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in a university) depending on the applicant’s experience. Excellent facilities and starter grants will be provided for the position. For details of the Institute and Academia Sinica, please visit the website at http://ipmb.sinica.edu.tw/. Applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. degree plus postdoctoral training. Chinese language skills are NOT required and international scientists are encouraged to apply. The application folder should include curriculum vitae, a statement of research accomplishments, and future research plans. The application folder and at least three letters of recommendation should be sent to Dr. Teng-Yung Feng, Chair of Search Committee, Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Sec. 2, Academia Rd., Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan 11529. E-MAIL: nslin2@gate.sinica.edu.tw. FAX: (+886)2-2782-1605. The review of applications will start on July 31, 2009 and continue until the position is filled.--6/09

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND FUNGAL BIOLOGIST
Department of Plant Pathology
College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences
University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota
Position: The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota is searching for an outstanding candidate to fill a faculty position in the area of fungal biology. This position is a nine-month, 70% research and 30% teaching, tenure track appointment at the rank of assistant professor. Responsibilities: Research: The successful candidate will be expected to carry out basic research on the primary causal agents of plant disease, the filamentous fungi. Incumbents will be expected to utilize contemporary approaches directed toward an understanding of the true fungi or the Oomycetes with research on cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, host-pathogen interactions, genomics, ecology, population genetics, or evolution. The incumbent is expected to develop strong extramural support for their research program and train graduate student and postdoctoral researchers. Potential research topics may include but are not limited to: fungal biodiversity in natural and agro-ecosystems, evolutionary dynamics of pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi, fungal fitness in the environment, molecular basis of fungal interactions with their hosts, functional genomics or proteomics of fungal pathogens, comparative genomics of fungi, or biochemistry of fungal metabolites. Teaching: The successful candidate will be expected to participate in advising graduate students and offering an introductory graduate level laboratory-based course on the biology of fungi, as well as either a general undergraduate biology course for non-majors or a graduate course in the incumbent’s research specialty. Qualifications: Required: Ph.D. in plant pathology, mycology, microbiology, plant science or relevant biological sciences. Strong research experience in contemporary areas of fungal biology. Strong recent publication record in fungal biology. Excellent communication skills. Preferred: Applicants with proven ability to conduct innovative, original research. Grant writing experience. Postdoctoral experience strongly preferred. Experience in research on plant pathogenic fungi and expertise using the latest genomic, molecular and/or biochemical approaches. Teaching experience at the university level and a vigorous commitment to mentoring students. Inquiry and Application: Apply online at: http://employment.umn.edu to requisition #161013 or employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=80231 and attach curriculum vitae, college transcripts, written statements of research, teaching and career goals and three reprints of recent publications. Also arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent directly to chair of the search committee. Screening of applicants will begin August 15, 2009. The position will be open until filled. For more information contact: Prof. Robert A. Blanchette, Chair Fungal Biology Search Committee, Department of Plant Pathology, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, 495 Borlaug Hall, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108 USA, e-mail = robertb@umn.edu. Additional information about the department can be found at: http://plpa.cfans.umn.edu/. The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.--6/09

ASSOCIATE IN RESEARCH, MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY/NEMATOLOGY
Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
An Associate in Research position is open to conduct research on molecular interactions between parasitic nematodes and their host plants. Position responsibilities and duties include: maintaining nematode cultures in greenhouse; preparing nematodes for plant inoculations; design and execution of experiments; data management; facilitating lab operations. In addition to greenhouse work, laboratory techniques will involve molecular techniques (e.g., PCR; real-time PCR; DNA, RNA and protein purification; DNA cloning; gel electrophoresis; sequencing; western, Southern and northern blotting; in situ hybridizations) and plant tissue culture. Applicant must be willing to learn additional techniques and problem solve as needed for the advancement of the laboratory. Required Qualifications: An M.S. in plant pathology, plant science, molecular genetics, nematology or a related field. A strong demonstrated background in molecular techniques, an interest in molecular plant-microbe interactions and the ability to work in a team including interdisciplinary collaborators. The successful candidate is expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills and to be able to work independently. Applicants must have excellent record keeping abilities and be able to manage multiple experimental approaches simultaneously. Availability: November 2009 or later, start date negotiable. The position is 12 month, full-time. Initial appointment is for one year and is annually renewable depending on performance and continued funding. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes benefit package. Application: Submit application including cover letter, statement of research interests (addressing all qualifications listed above), CV and transcripts electronically to Dr. Axel Elling (elling@wsu.edu). Send three letters of reference (direct from source) to: Dr. Axel Elling, Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, P.O. Box 646430, Pullman, WA 99164-6430, elling@wsu.edu. Screening begins October 1, 2009. Position open until filled. For more information, please visit http://plantpath.wsu.edu/people/faculty/elling.htm. University and Community: Washington State University, the state’s land grant university, is located in Pullman, a college town of about 27,000. Together with the University of Idaho, eight miles to the east in Moscow, ID, the region provides diverse cultural and intellectual activities for a combined community of more than 50,000 people. Pullman is about 70 miles south of Spokane, WA in the rolling Palouse farmland. Superb recreational areas of the inland Pacific Northwest include lakes, scenic and wild rivers, wilderness areas, mountains, ski resorts, and fishing and camping locations within a short drive. EEO/AA/ADA--5/09

PH.D. STUDENT, MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY/NEMATOLOGY
Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
A position for a Ph.D. student is open to conduct research on molecular interactions between the Columbia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi) and potato. Position responsibilities and duties include: design and execution of experiments; data analysis; preparation of manuscripts; presentation of results at meetings. Research projects may include molecular techniques (e.g., PCR; real-time PCR; DNA, RNA and protein purification; DNA cloning; gel electrophoresis; sequencing; western, Southern and northern blotting); microarray experiments; microscopy; plant tissue culture and greenhouse work. Applicant must be willing to learn additional techniques and problem solve as needed. For more information, please visit http://plantpath.wsu.edu/people/faculty/elling.htm. Required Qualifications: An M.S. in plant pathology, plant science, molecular genetics, nematology or a related field. A strong demonstrated background in molecular techniques and plant molecular biology is essential. Applicant must have an interest in molecular plant-microbe interactions and the ability to work in a team including interdisciplinary collaborators. The successful candidate is expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills and to be able to work independently. Applicant must have excellent record keeping abilities and be able to manage multiple experimental approaches simultaneously. Prior experience in nematology is an advantage, but not required. Availability: Spring or Fall semester 2010. Application: Applicants should email Dr. Axel Elling directly (elling@wsu.edu) to indicate their interest in this position. Applicants have to follow the departmental guidelines to apply to the plant pathology graduate program and to the Graduate School at Washington State University http://plantpath.wsu.edu/students/appcheck.html. Financial support in the form of a research assistantship (incl. health insurance, tuition waiver and other benefits) will be provided. For more information please visit http://plantpath.wsu.edu/students/prostudents.htm. University and Community: Washington State University (WSU), the state’s land grant university, provides world-class education to more than 25,000 students statewide. Plant research at the University is consistently ranked among the top five nationwide in terms of research productivity. The University’s plant researchers are among the most highly cited in the world according to ISI Highly Cited Researchers List. WSU’s main campus is located in Pullman, a college town of about 27,000. Together with the University of Idaho, eight miles to the east in Moscow, ID, the region provides diverse cultural and intellectual activities for a combined community of more than 50,000 people. EEO/AA/ADA--5/09

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS
A post-doctoral research associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Paola Veronese, North Carolina State University, Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Raleigh, NC USA. (http://www.cifr.ncsu.edu/faculty/veronesebio.html). Qualifications: Ph.D. in molecular biology/genetics or related field. Responsibilities: A post-doctoral position is available starting July 1, 2009 in Dr. Veronese laboratory to conduct research on the molecular genetics of plant interaction with phytopathogenic fungi of the genus Verticillium, causal agents of vascular diseases. The incumbent will be assigned projects aiming at the identification of the genetic and molecular basis of host defense and fungal pathogenicity mechanisms. In particular, he/she will study the interaction of model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato with V. dahliae and V. longisporum by applying functional genomics approaches. The successful candidate is required to have practical expertise in PCR-based technologies including molecular cloning and gene expression analysis. Other specific molecular techniques include construct assembly, plant and fungal transformation, nucleic acid analysis, protein expression. Familiarity with commonly used bio-informatics tools, strong ability to work as a team member, and excellent oral and written communication skills are required. The position has secured funding for a minimum of two years and the continuity will depend on her/his successful performance. Start date is July 1, 2009. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Application: Applicants should send by e-mail their CV, a brief description of past research and career goals, and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr. Paola Veronese, paola_veronese@ncsu.edu, Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7251, Raleigh, NC 27695-7251, tel. 919.513.8219. Closing Date: June 30, 2009 or until suitable candidate is found.--5/09

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION: MAIZE GENOMICS
A Postdoctoral Position is available in the Microarray Lab, Plant Science Department, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Required Qualifications: Ph.D in Molecular biology/Genetics/Biochemistry or related field. Preferred: Experience in the molecular basis of plant-fungal interactions using molecular biology, genetic or biochemical tools. Good communication skills and a willingness to contribute to the improvement of maize, a staple diet for the people of Africa. Experience in microarrays, fungal phylogenetics or quantitative genetics would be an advantage. Description: A collaborative research project funded by PlantBio and entitled “Genomics of quantitative disease resistance in African maize varieties” is underway (http://www.fabinet.up.ac.za/mppi/maize). The target pathogen causing grey leaf spot disease has been characterized by the project team (see Eur J Plant Path (2009), DOI 10.1007/s10658-009-9443-1). A postdoctoral position is available to investigate the molecular basis of this plant-pathogen interaction using tools such as pathogen population/pathogenicity studies and maize transcriptomics. Whole genome maize microarrays of a maize RIL population that is being rigorously phenotyped and genotyped will be used to discover molecular markers and genes underlying disease resistance. The current research team at the University of Pretoria is working in collaboration with project partners at a maize breeding institute, a microarray service company and a commercial seed company. The incumbent will work in the Molecular Plant-Pathogen Interactions research group at UP (http://www.fabinet.up.ac.za/mppi/index), and will be situated in the Microarray lab that is equipped with a state-of-the-art DNA Microarrayer and Scanner, operating through the African Centre for Gene Technologies (ACGT) Microarray Facility (http://www.microarray.up.ac.za/). The position offers excellent opportunities for growth and the remuneration is highly competitive. Pretoria is an attractive destination for those interested in experiencing life in South Africa. It is the Capital City, is host to most Embassies and is well known for the seasonal displays of Jacaranda Trees. Pretoria is on the doorstep of the bushveld game parks, home of the Big Five (http://www.southafrica.net). The weather is good all year round and most days are sunny and warm. The position is available till 31 December 2009 with potential for a further three year period, based on performance. First deadline for applications is 9 April 2009, however the post will remain open until a suitable candidate can be found. Contact: Please apply by forwarding a complete CV with contact details of three referees (including phone numbers and email addresses) to Prof. Dave Berger, Room 6-26, Agricultural Sciences Building, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002 (Fax: +27-12 – 4203947; Email: dave.berger@fabi.up.ac.za). Telephone +27-12-420 4634.--4/09