Two postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Xiuren Zhang in Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University (http://plantrnasilencing.tamu.edu). The Zhang lab utilizes a combination of molecular, biochemical, genetic, and -omics approaches to understand RNA silencing including epigenetics and posttranscriptional gene silencing in plants, with recent expansion into RNA biology in different organisms. The Zhang lab also studies host-microbe interaction at different genetic layers. The successful candidates will actively participate in, but not be limited to, the following projects:

• Comprehensively study several novel genes and components in RNA silencing identified through our genetic and biochemical screening systems (Wang, et al., 2018, Nature; Ma, et al., 2018. Dev Cell; Li, et al., 2020. Nat Plants; Sun, et al., 2021, Sci. Adv; Wang, et al., 2022, Sci. Adv).
• Host-virus interaction at an epigenetic level (Castillo, et al., 2015, eLife; Hu, et al., 2019, PLoS Pathogen; Wang, et al., In prep.). The Zhang lab has identified new additional host targets of viral suppressors; and is ready to explore the functional relevance of these bona fide targets in the host-viral interaction.

Applicants should process a Ph.D. degree with solid training in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and/or basic computational analysis with at least one firstauthored publication(s) in a prestigious journal from their PhD work. Candidates should be highly motivated and ambitious with excellent English communication skills. One position favors the candidate with extensive biochemical and molecular expertise (i.e. molecular cloning, functional analysis, protein purification, enzymatic kinetics, and possibly structural analysis). The other one favors the candidate with strong experience in host-microbe interaction, epigenetic silencing and/or viral replication. However, candidates are strongly encouraged to develop their own identities in research directions using our platform.

Applications are accepted immediately until the positions are filled. Salary will be very competitive. The initial appointments are for two years and reappointment will depend on satisfactory job performance and mutual agreement. Interested applicants should send a CV, brief summary of research experience, and contact information for at least two references by email to [email protected].