Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Immunity and Extracellular Immune Signaling

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Immunity and Extracellular Immune Signaling. The successful candidate will work in the Mou lab within Microbiology and Cell Science, exploring how extracellular signals are sensed at the plant cell surface to trigger local and systemic immune responses.

Responsibilities include applying molecular, genetic, biochemical, and cell biology methods to define receptor activation and signaling interfaces.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Investigate extracellular immune signaling in plants using molecular, genetic, biochemical and cell biology approaches.
• Characterize receptors and signaling pathways involved in extracellular NAD(P) and SA signaling and systemic immunity.
• Publish results in high-impact journals and contribute to grant-funded projects.

Education

PhD in plant biology / plant pathology / molecular biology / biochemistry

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Immunity and Extracellular Immune Signaling

Job No: 541193

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department: 60100000 - AG-MICROBIOLOGY - CELL SCI

Job Description

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.

Hiring Conditions

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Health Assessment Required

No

Applications Close

10 November 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.