Duke University, Biology
Position Description
A salaried full-time postdoc position is available in the Dong laboratory at Duke University. The candidate will contribute to the central, but understudied, mechanism of plant adaptation, which is redox signaling of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Beyond serving as a metabolic byproduct of stress, H2O2 is a mobile signal that coordinates stress responses, such as systemic acquired resistance (SAR), an immune mechanism that primes uninfected tissues against future infection by a broad spectrum of pathogens. While the downstream effects of SAR, including salicylic acid (SA)-mediated gene expression, are well studied, the molecular relay that enables H2O2 to initiate systemic SA biosynthesis remains poorly understood. A central unresolved question is: how H2O2-dependent signaling is perceived and amplified to trigger systemic SA production under climate-relevant stress. This project seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which H2O2 mediates systemic immune signaling in plants under environmental stress, a process critical for plant resilience and food security in a changing climate. The project will involve performing molecular biology and plant-microbial interaction experiments, with the specific experiments in studying the effect of redox/ROS signaling. The candidate will also be expected to be involved in training and supervision of students and outside visitors involved with this project. Full-time research experience and molecular biology skills are necessary, and computational skills are highly desirable. The application should include your cover letter and CV with your last name. A minimum of a Ph.D. degree is required for the position.Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
Further Info: