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Postdoctoral Scholar - Plant Natural Product Biosynthesis - Department of Plant & Microbial Biology

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Position description

Postdoctoral Scholar – Plant Natural Product Biosynthesis Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, UC Berkeley

There is an opening for a postdoctoral position in the lab of Dr. Henrik V. Scheller. The project is focused on identifying pathways for natural product biosynthesis in plants. Genes and enzymes involved in our pathways of interest will be identified by RNASeq, and candidate genes expressed in suitable systems (yeast, E. coli, and tobacco). The main focus will be on glycosyltransferases. The postdoc scholar will work under the supervision of Dr. Henrik V. Scheller, Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, and will work in a team with two other postdocs focusing on microbial expression working under the supervision of Professor Jay Keasling, Department of Chemical Engineering. The project will be located at the Joint Bioenergy Institute in Emeryville, CA (ww.jbei.org) close to the UC Berkeley campus.

Duties:
• Identify candidate glycosyltransferases and other enzymes involved in natural product biosynthesis.
• Screen glycosyltransferases for ability to glycosylate specific metabolites.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and assist with the development of funding proposals and patents.
• Participate in group meetings and seminars.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed electronic scientific logbook of all experiments performed. Store all data generated in an organized and secure way. Ensure that others could duplicate results.

Basic Qualifications:
Advanced degree or enrolled in advanced degree program at the time of application.

Additional Qualifications
PhD (or equivalent international degree) required by the appointment start date. The candidate may have no more than four (4) years of post-degree research experience by start date.

Preferred Qualifications (by start date)
• Demonstrated experience with characterization of heterologously expressed enzymes
• Demonstrated evidence of conducting experiments independently, maintaining appropriate records and managing data
• Advanced knowledge with RNASeq
• Advanced knowledge with plant biochemistry
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to communicate effectively and to think critically and innovatively
• Demonstrated written skills

Appointment:
The targeted start date for this position is Spring 2019. The initial appointment is for one year, with renewal based on performance and funding availability. This is a full time appointment.

Salary and Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and based on UC Berkeley salary scales. The salary range for this position is $50,760 to $59,100, depending on prior experience. Generous benefits are included (http://vspa.berkeley.edu/postdocs)

To Apply: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF02076

Interested individuals should include a 1-2 page cover letter that summarizes research interests and professional goals, along with a current CV and the names and contact information of three references. Letters of reference may be requested for finalists. It is optional to include a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity.

This position will remain open until filled.

Questions regarding this recruitment can be directed to Dr. Henrik Scheller, scheller@berkeley.edu

The total duration of an individual's postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at other institutions.

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 (http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html ) prior to submitting their letters.

The University of California 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. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

The Department is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education.

The University of California, Berkeley has an excellent benefits package as well as a number of policies and programs in place to support employees as they balance work and family.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Current C.V.

  • Cover Letter - 1-2 page cover letter that summarizes research interests and professional goals

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)