Postdoc - Xu Lab

The laboratory of Dr. Xiaosa (Jack) Xu in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of California, Davis, wishes to employ a 100%-time Postdoc who will contribute to plant developmental genetics and/or single-cell genomics research. The candidate will work closely with the PI and other lab members to design and implement a variety of cutting-edge projects focused on plant development and evolution, single-cell genomics, genome editing, and genetics.

a. Research (90%): The Postdoc will work closely with the PI and lab members, as well as collaborators at UC Davis and other institutions, to conduct single-cell genomics and spatial transcriptomics experiments, perform data analysis, and validate findings through genome editing. The candidate will have the opportunity to be involved in: 1) Conducting single-cell genomics and spatial transcriptomics experiments by extracting DNA and RNA from single cells and plant tissue sections, and preparing libraries for next-generation sequencing; 2) Performing cutting-edge single-cell genomics and spatial transcriptomics data analysis using packages in Linux, R, Python, etc; 3) Genotyping plant mutations and conducting molecular, cell biology, and biochemistry experiments, such as building CRISPR gene-editing constructs, imaging fluorescent plants, extracting proteins from bacteria and plants, and performing immunoprecipitation and western blot analysis for proteins of interest; 4) Propagating and caring for plants in the field, greenhouse, and growth chambers.

Professional Competence and Activities (5%): The candidate is expected to work semi-independently with oversight from the principal investigator. The candidate will assist in preparing data figures, tables, and summaries of results for progress reports to the funding agency. The candidate will keep a detailed laboratory notebook or digital notebook, including experimental methods and results. The candidate will write research results for publication by drafting sections of the manuscript and assisting with editing the full manuscript. The candidate will attend seminars on topics related to fields of interest, participate and present in lab meetings and journal clubs, and engage in scientific discussions with collaborators. The candidate will present research findings at suitable external scientific meetings, either on campus or elsewhere, depending on the availability of funds. Additionally, the candidate may participate in training programs to enhance knowledge and skills, depending on their long-term goals.

University and Public Service (5%): The Postdoc will actively contribute to lab activities through meetings and unit/campus presentations, participate in public outreach activities, and assist with mentoring graduate and undergraduate students or student interns.

* Ph.D. in the area of Biology, Plant Biology, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Molecular and Cell Biology, or Systems Biology (Applicants do not need to have their PhD degree at the time of application but must have it before starting the position).

* Experience in molecular protocols, DNA or RNA focused.

* Experience in molecular cloning and/or CRISPR genome editing.

* Efficient utilization of computer clusters and programming experience with Linux, R, Python, or similar tools to analyze genomics data using bioinformatics packages and databases.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

* Highly motivated and can manage multiple projects.

* Experience in building NGS libraries.

* Experience in designing, maintaining, and harvesting large-scale experiments in fields, greenhouses, and chambers.

* Demonstrated knowledge of imaging with microscopies such as DIC and confocal.

* Experience in single-cell genomics

• 3-5 letters of reference required

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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