Postdoctoral Fellow - La Jolla, United States - Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Description

The Mueller lab is looking for one postdoctoral candidate to understand how plants control interactions with beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The postdoctoral candidate will work on a USDA-funded research project aiming to understand quantitative and qualitative control of AM symbiosis by the host plant.

Plants benefit from interacting with AM fungi by increased mineral nutrient uptake, whereas fungi obtain carbon products from their plant hosts. To balance carbon expenditure with nutrient benefits provided by the fungal symbiont, plants tightly control AM fungal root colonization by AM fungi through various cellular and systemic mechanisms. Despite considered beneficial generalists, it is known that not all AM fungal species confer the same benefits to a host plant. The molecular mechanisms that allow plants to control root colonization based on symbiont quality are little understood, especially in situations when host plants are exposed to multiple microbes at the same time. The postdoctoral candidate will apply a combination of molecular biology, genetics, advanced microscopy, and -omics approaches to identify the molecular mechanisms that allow plants to control AM symbiosis based on symbiosis quantity and quality, with the goal to uncover novel mechanisms underpinning the regulation of plant-microbe interactions and host-symbiont preference.

The ideal candidates will be biologists who have training in plant and/or microbial science and expertise in molecular biology, plant physiology, and/or genetics. Experience with legume genetics, molecular plant-microbe interactions, and/or bioinformatics is desirable but not required. Candidates should be intellectually curious, highly productive, driven, and able to work independently as well as in a team. We are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every individual's unique background, perspective, and talents are valued.

Education:

Ph.D. in plant science or related fields.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit a current CV, a list of publications and pre-prints, the names and contact information of three references, and a description of why they want to join our lab and how their expertise and academic accomplishments make them a good fit for the position.

The full postdoctoral salary range for wet lab opportunities is $70,000-$77,500 (see below). This range covers the entire postdoctoral training period; recent Ph.D. graduates should expect an offer at or close to $70,000 (minimum of the salary range). Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.
Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.