Postdoctoral Employee - Plant-Microbe Interactions - Plant and Microbial Biology

The Plant and Microbial Biology Department at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Employee in the Jennifer Lewis Lab, in the area of Plant-Microbe Interactions.

The Lewis lab studies how pathogens manipulate host immune signaling and how plants defend themselves against infection. Pseudomonas syringae is a bacterial pathogen that causes disease in a wide range of plant hosts, by injecting type III effector proteins through the type III secretion system. Effector proteins primarily suppress plant immunity to facilitate infection. However, plants can evolve the ability to recognize effector proteins and trigger an immune response. Recently, we found that a strain of P. syringae lacking effector proteins triggers a strong immune response in wild tomato that is dependent on the type III secretion system. The successful candidate will investigate molecular mechanisms of recognition by the plant and bacteria, and how this recognition can be suppressed. They will also help disseminate information to growers through periodic farm visits and to the general public.

The postdoc will be expected to perform rigorous research and have a passion to learn about plant-microbe interactions. They should be able to work independently as well as part of a team, and contribute to the intellectual environment of the lab. The Lewis lab believes that diversity, collaboration, respect and open communication are crucial for success in science. The postdoctoral employee will receive training in scientific research, responsible conduct of research, professional development, and teaching, and will be supported by a positive environment, mentoring by the PI, and other mentors. The PI will orient the postdoc to expectations upon recruitment.

Duties will include:

• Organizes and executes rigorous high-quality research, and analyzes data
• Carries out genetic screens in Solanaceous species
• Performs molecular cloning of candidate genes from bacteria and plants
• Performs genetic experiments in Pseudomonas strains
• Analyzes plant immune responses
• Carries out biochemical characterization of candidate genes
• Analyzes next-generation sequencing data
• Mentors and trains undergraduate and/or graduate students
• Writes manuscripts and grants
• Presents research to scientific audiences, growers, and general public
• Prepares project results for peer-reviewed publications and presentations
• Works collaboratively with team members and collaborators
• Performs other duties as assigned

PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program.

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) required by the appointment start date.
• No more than 3 years of post-degree research experience by start date.

• PhD in Plant Biology, Genetics, or related field
• Expertise in plant-microbe interactions
• Expertise in plant genetics
• Experience working in microbiology
• Experience in bioinformatics
• Strong track record in discipline
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Sophisticated molecular biology skills
• Strong ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral English communication skills

• 3 required (contact information only)

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.