Postdoc position available at the Water and Life Interface Institute (WALII)– Carnegie Institution for Science

About the Position: We seek to recruit a highly motivated and skilled researcher with training in molecular biology, plant genetics, or bioengineering. WALII aims to understand the impacts of climate change on plant species, from a molecular evolution angle. The project will leverage ecological genomics modeling to identify genes involved in dehydration tolerance and water use efficiency in Arabidopsis, and will use CRISPR-based genetic engineering, developmental genetics, and microscopy techniques to understand the molecular mechanism of such adaptive genes.

About the Water and Life Interface Institute (WALII, pronounced “Wally”): WALII studies how life interacts with water, from the molecular to the organismal level, across plants, fungi, and animals. WALII is a virtual institute, with scientists located at nine research facilities across the United States. Working together, WALII team members aim to uncover the rules by which organisms interact with water, exploring four integrated themes: 1) the physical and molecular determinants that allow organisms to survive in the solid state; 2) rehydration responses in desiccation-tolerant and -sensitive systems; 3) the molecular grammar of desiccation tolerance conferred by intrinsically disordered proteins; and 4) the short- and longterm evolutionary history of desiccation tolerance. WALII team members have diverse expertise, ranging from biophysics to plant biology, and experience with several desiccation-tolerant and – sensitive systems.

The institute’s long-term goals are to understand how organisms can tolerate desiccation; invent technologies and concepts to study anhydrobiosis; engineer macromolecules, cells, and organisms that can survive desiccation; and produce the next generation of leaders in all sectors of our society. To achieve these aims, WALII provides mentoring, outreach opportunities, and professional development for all affiliated scientists. That includes funding support for travel to scientific conferences, and internal professional development/training programs.

Responsibilities: 

● Leading research independently, preparing publications, and presenting research in scientific meetings.

● Working closely with collaborators and lab members.

● Contributing to lab-wide chores, to help foster a productive and positive lab environment.

Required Skills: 

● BSc or a PhD in any of the following areas: molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, bioengineering.

● A track record of research productivity and independence.

How to apply: Submit your CV, a cover letter explaining your motivations for applying to this position and your fit within the lab’s areas of study, and contact information for three people who can provide a reference letter on your behalf, to admin@moilab.science.

WALII is deeply committed to scientific excellence and diversity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a diverse and inclusive environment. All WALII member institutions are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.