Postdoc Position Available: Genetics of Mycorrhiza-Forest Tree Interactions, Duke University

The Vilgalys Mycology Lab at Duke University seeks a postdoctoral researcher to study genetics of plant-fungal interactions between Populus (poplar) and its root mycobiome.  We study genetics and evolution of symbiotic interactions between forest trees and fungi using a variety of molecular-based approaches.  These studies take advantage of extensive resources developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for GWAS and QTL analysis of Populus, as well as extensive genomics resources for diverse symbiotic endophytic and mycorrhizal fungi.  This study is part of a DOE-sponsored collaboration among plant/fungal biologists in the USA (ORNL) and France (INRAE) who study Populus-microbiome interactions (http://pmiweb.ornl.gov/).   As a team-member, you will have the flexibility to explore your interests within the broader scope of plant/fungal genomics.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: Design, conduct and interpretation of plant-fungal inoculation experiments using Populus half-sib crosses and GWAS populations inoculated with AM, ECM, and endophytic fungi; analysis of plant-fungal interactions using transcriptomics and proteomics; lead and contribute to the development of scientific manuscripts and proposals. Research is facilitated by a professional environment using state-of-the-art equipment/facilities for genomics, microbiology, and plant biology with excellent technical and development support at Duke University and ORNL.  

Qualifications Required: Ph.D. degree in plant or fungal biology including prior experience in metagenomics, bioinformatics, GWAS, and related fields. Applicants should have prior experience with experimental design and implementation of genetic studies including a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications Preferred: Priority will be given to applicants with a successful history of interdisciplinary, integrative, and innovative research in this area. Interested applicants should send a cv, research statement, and names of 3 references (preferably in a single pdf) to Dr. Rytas Vilgalys, fungi@duke.edu.   The position is available immediately and will remain open until a suitable candidate has been hired. For more information on see: http://pmiweb.ornl.gov/ and http://sites.duke.edu/vilgalyslab/