Plant Genomics, Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics
Postdoctoral Positions Available in the Bennetzen Laboratory at the University
of Georgia
The laboratory of Prof. Jeff Bennetzen in the Department of
Genetics at the University of Georgia has recently received funding from DOE,
NIFA and NSF grants that require 3-4 additional postdoctoral fellows to be
hired into his group. Each project
requires a combination of wet lab and computational biology skills. The Bennetzen lab is accomplished in all of
the required techniques, so some training of the hired postdoctoral fellows can
be provided in order to broaden and deepen their skill sets. (1) The first project will investigate genetic
and environmental inputs into chromosome breakage and repair, using the most
modern technologies for regulated chromosome breakage. (2) The second project involves analysis of
transposable element content in numerous plant species, much of the work
focused on Helitrons and
retroelements, including a novel approach to the efficient discovery and
description of active elements. (3) The
third project includes investigation into epigenetic regulation of gene and
transposable element biology, particularly meiotically heritable changes that are
driven by environmental cues. (4) The
fourth project is a largely metagenomic study directed at understanding the
genetic basis of host genes that determine the microbial populations associated
with the roots of grasses (for instance, candidate biofuel crops like
switchgrass) and the effects these microbes have on crop sustainability and
yield. All positions are available for a
minimum of 2 years, and salaries will be commensurate with experience. Positions are available immediately, but
candidates that will not be able to arrive until as late as March 2014 will
also be considered. Interested
individuals should send a cv, indicating their training, publications, a list
of three references and career goals, to Dr. Bennetzen by email (maize@uga.edu).
Please do not send or contact references for recommendation
letters. Dr. Bennetzen will only request
letters of recommendation for the finalist candidates. Applications will be reviewed at the time
they arrive, but it is expected that decisions will be made on the finalists by
1 October 2013. The Bennetzen lab and
the University of Georgia provide an excellent working environment. We are equal opportunity employers, so
members of groups that are under-represented in the sciences are encouraged to
apply.
