Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Immunity and Extracellular Immune Signaling

CHEManager International; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida (IFAS) seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to study extracellular immune signaling in plants. The successful candidate will work in the Mou lab at UF/IFAS Microbiology and Cell Science, focusing on extracellular NAD(P) and salicylic acid signaling and receptor activation mechanisms.

The role involves molecular genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology approaches to uncover how signals at the plant cell surface trigger local and systemic immunity, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant biology, plant pathology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or closely related field.
• Strong experimental skills, a solid publication record, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to UF core values.

Responsibilities

• Investigate extracellular signaling molecules (NAD(P) and SA) in plant immunity using molecular, genetic, biochemical and cell biology methods.
• Define receptor activation mechanisms and how extracellular signaling interfaces with intracellular SA signaling and systemic immunity.
• Explore receptor-ligand interactions, kinase activation, phosphorylation, and protein–protein interactions.

Skills

Experimental skills

Publication record

Independent work

Collaborative

Education

Ph.D. in plant biology/plant pathology/molecular biology/biochemistry or related field

Job description

Job no

541193

Work type

Post Doc Associate

Location

Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories

Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department

60100000 - AG-MICROBIOLOGY - CELL SCI

Classification Title

Postdoc Aso

Classification Minimum Requirements

The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Job Description

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Zhonglin Mou in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida.
The position is supported by a newly funded three-year USDA/NIFA grant focused on understanding extracellular immune signaling in plants. The successful candidate will investigate how extracellular signaling molecules, including extracellular NAD(P) and salicylic acid (SA), are sensed at the plant cell surface and how these signals activate local and systemic immune responses.
Our research has identified lectin receptor kinases as key components of extracellular NAD(P) and SA signaling pathways that contribute to systemic acquired resistance (Li et al., Extracellular salicylic acid activates immune signaling through cell-surface receptors. bioRxiv 2026). The postdoctoral researcher will use molecular, genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to define receptor activation mechanisms and determine how extracellular immune signaling interfaces with intracellular SA signaling and systemic immunity.
Potential research areas include receptor-ligand interactions, receptor kinase activation and phosphorylation, protein-protein interactions, calcium and other early immune signaling events, genetic analysis of immune signaling pathways, and characterization of local and systemic disease resistance. The project provides opportunities to develop new mechanistic insights into plant immune signaling and to contribute to high-impact publications.
The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation's largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Expected Salary

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have a Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in plant biology, plant pathology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field. Candidates should have strong experimental skills, a solid publication record, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Preferred

Experience in the following areas is desirable: plant molecular genetics, plant-microbe interactions, protein biochemistry, receptor kinase signaling, protein-protein interaction assays, phosphorylation analysis, and Arabidopsis research.

Health Assessment Required

No

Advertised

01 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close

10 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time