Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Immunity and Extracellular Immune Signaling

Laplace Expert Ltd; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, is offering a Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on plant immunity and extracellular immune signaling. The project examines extracellular NAD(P) and salicylic acid sensing, receptor kinase signaling, and systemic resistance in Arabidopsis.

Applicants will join the Zhonglin Mou lab for a three-year USDA/NIFA-funded project, conducting molecular genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to map signaling networks

Qualifications

• Education: Doctorate in a field appropriate to the research duties.
• Experience: Plant molecular genetics, plant–microbe interactions, protein biochemistry, receptor-kinase signaling, protein-interaction assays, phosphorylation analysis or Arabidopsis experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Study extracellular NAD(P) and salicylic acid sensing at the cell surface.
• Investigate lectin receptor kinases and signaling pathways linking receptor activation with intracellular signals.
• Analyze receptor activation, phosphorylation, and systemic acquired resistance in plants.
• Perform genetic analyses and experiments in Arabidopsis and related plant-immunity systems.

Skills

Plant molecular genetics

Plant–microbe interactions

Protein biochemistry

Receptor kinase signaling

Protein interaction assays

Phosphorylation analysis

Arabidopsis research

Education

Doctorate in a field appropriate to the research duties

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Immunity and Extracellular Immune Signaling

University of Florida · Department of Microbiology and Cell Science

Florida, United States

Apply by 10 Nov 2026

About This Opportunity

The University of Florida's Zhonglin Mou lab seeks a postdoctoral researcher to study extracellular immune signaling in plants, including how extracellular NAD(P) and salicylic acid are sensed and activate local and systemic immunity. Applications close on 10 November 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time.

Supported by a three-year USDA/NIFA grant, this project investigates how extracellular signaling molecules activate plant immunity. The researcher will study sensing of extracellular NAD(P) and salicylic acid at the cell surface and determine how lectin receptor kinases and related pathways connect receptor activation with intracellular signaling and systemic acquired resistance. Potential work includes receptor–ligand interactions, receptor kinase activation and phosphorylation, protein interactions, calcium and other early immune signals, genetic analysis of immune pathways and measurements of local and systemic disease resistance. The project combines molecular genetics, biochemistry and cell biology in Arabidopsis and related plant-immunity systems.

plant immunity salicylic acid NAD(P) receptor kinases systemic acquired resistance

Level Postdoc

Time Commitment Full-time

Duration Project supported by a three-year USDA/NIFA grant

Reference Code 541193

Field Plant Immunity and Extracellular Immune Signaling

Specialization Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Organization Type University

Funding & Compensation

Amount Paid

Funding Type Salary

Funding Status Paid

Requirements

Education

Doctorate in a field appropriate to the research duties.

Experience

Plant molecular genetics, plant–microbe interactions, protein biochemistry, receptor-kinase signaling, protein-interaction assays, phosphorylation analysis or Arabidopsis experience is desirable.

Technical Skills Plant molecular genetics Protein biochemistry Receptor kinase signaling Protein interaction assays Phosphorylation analysis Arabidopsis research

General Skills Independent research Scientific writing Research collaboration