Job Description

Job Description:

The Perlin lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Louisville, seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the lab in investigations of plant/parasite interactions. The successful candidate must have either a PhD in Biology or a related field and at least 8 months Postdoctoral Research experience. The successful candidate must have at least 3 years experience with higher-level Bioinformatics, including comparative genomics, analysis of RNASeq data for plants and fungi, as well as expert practical application of R software packages, and the ability to produce custom scripts/coding for analyses. Such analyses will include genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data analysis. Familiarity with sterile technique and proper handling of microbes is required, as is extensive experience growing wildflower species and infecting them with fungi. Also required is experience extracting and purifying RNAs from fungi, plants, and infected plants is a must, as is production of cDNA, real-time qPCR, and use of nanodrop machine. In addition to these requirements, the candidate will also need to have worked with Microbotryum fungi and be able to genetically transform such fungi. Experience with protein purification from plants, cross-linking of proteins in live plants, and downstream proteomics analysis is desired. Some supervision/guidance of graduate and undergraduate students is also required. Hiring is to be completed by March 1, 2026, to begin work April 1, 2026. The University of Louisville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1) Conducting, supervising, and analyzing in planta protein cross-linking experiments; analyzing the resulting data.

2) Conducting RNASeq experiments and analyzing the data to determine differential gene expression and characterize categories of genes.

3) Serving as a resource for doctoral and undergraduate students in the lab, especially in bioinformatics analyses.

Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in Biology or related field; at least 8 months Postdoctoral experience. At least 2 years experience in working with Microbotryum fungi, including growth, genetic transformation, and infections of host plants in the Caryophyllaceae. At least 3-4 years of extensive experience with R software, Bioinformatics, Comparative Genomics, and coding to generate customized scripts. Experience with clear and analytical scientific writing. Effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with protein isolation/purification as well as characterization. Microscopy proficiency. Critical thinking. Expertise in handling Big Data.

Competencies:

• Experience with protein isolation/purification as well as characterization.
• Microscopy proficiency
• Data analysis (Big Data)
• Critical thinking

Physical Requirements:

Requires working in a typical molecular biology lab environment with sitting and regular use of a computer, the ability to see, hear and use lab equipment and occasional standing, stooping and lifting up to 10 lbs. May require occasional travel between University buildings to meet with others.

Skills:

1. Familiarity with lab management. Use of Word, Excel and/or similar programs for data management and analysis, including graphs.

2. Flexible – ability to change directions as needed for the good of the lab and extramurally-funded grant.

3. Service Excellence – responsive, informs constituents of process, pleasant to work with, educates and provides timely, accurate information.

4. Organized – manages time effectively, keeps tasks appropriately prioritized.

5. Critical Thinking – ability to think through issues and identify appropriate options.

6. Work Ethic – motivated, diligent, industrious and persistent in the workplace, stays on tasks to completion, works at a fast pace to ensure optimal efficiency.

7. Interpersonal – can build effective, strong working relationships with employees, colleagues, management and vendors through trust, communication, and credibility.

8. Teamwork – ability to work with others, serve others, help others, lead others, mentor others, take directions from others in the interest of moving process and programs forward to the desired outcome.

Additional Information:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of individuals in this job. Other duties may be assigned as determined by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Louisville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, or veteran status.

If you require assistance or accommodation with our application process due to an impairment or disability, please email the contact listed above directly, or reach out to the Employment team at employment@louisville.edu or 502.852.6258. Assistance and Accommodations Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 215 Central Avenue, Ste 205 - Louisville, Kentucky 40208.

About the University of Louisville In 2023, the University of Louisville celebrates its quasquicentennial, the 225th anniversary of the 1798 beginnings of higher education in Louisville. One of the nation’s first city-owned, public universities, UofL today is a vital ecosystem that creates thriving futures for students, our community and society. As one of only 79 universities in the United States to earn recognition by the Carnegie Foundation as both a Research 1 and a Community Engaged university, we impact lives in areas of student success and research and innovation, while our dynamic connection with our local and global communities provides unparalleled opportunities for students and citizens both. The university serves as an engine that powers Metro Louisville and the commonwealth and as a classroom for UofL’s more than 23,000 students, who benefit from partnerships with top employers and a wide range of community service opportunities. To learn more, visit louisville.edu. The University of Louisville is a public university in Louisville, Kentucky. It is a member of the Kentucky state university system.

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