The laboratory of Dr. Xiaosa (Jack) Xu in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of California, Davis, wishes to employ a 100%-time Postdoc who will contribute to plant developmental genetics and/or single-cell genomics research. The candidate will work closely with the PI and other lab members to design and implement a variety of cutting-edge projects focused on plant development and evolution, single-cell genomics, genome editing, and genetics.
a. Research (90%): The Postdoc will work closely with the PI and lab members, as well as collaborators at UC Davis and other institutions, to conduct single-cell genomics and spatial transcriptomics experiments, perform data analysis, and validate findings through genome editing. The candidate will have the opportunity to be involved in: 1) Conducting single-cell genomics and spatial transcriptomics experiments by extracting DNA and RNA from single cells and plant tissue sections, and preparing libraries for next-generation sequencing; 2) Performing cutting-edge single-cell genomics and spatial transcriptomics data analysis using packages in Linux, R, Python, etc; 3) Genotyping plant mutations and conducting molecular, cell biology, and biochemistry experiments, such as building CRISPR gene-editing constructs, imaging fluorescent plants, extracting proteins from bacteria and plants, and performing immunoprecipitation and western blot analysis for proteins of interest; 4) Propagating and caring for plants in the field, greenhouse, and growth chambers.
Professional Competence and Activities (5%): The candidate is expected to work semi-independently with oversight from the principal investigator. The candidate will assist in preparing data figures, tables, and summaries of results for progress reports to the funding agency. The candidate will keep a detailed laboratory notebook or digital notebook, including experimental methods and results. The candidate will write research results for publication by drafting sections of the manuscript and assisting with editing the full manuscript. The candidate will attend seminars on topics related to fields of interest, participate and present in lab meetings and journal clubs, and engage in scientific discussions with collaborators. The candidate will present research findings at suitable external scientific meetings, either on campus or elsewhere, depending on the availability of funds. Additionally, the candidate may participate in training programs to enhance knowledge and skills, depending on their long-term goals.
University and Public Service (5%): The Postdoc will actively contribute to lab activities through meetings and unit/campus presentations, participate in public outreach activities, and assist with mentoring graduate and undergraduate students or student interns.
UC Davis is the home of the Aggies — go-getters, change makers and problem solvers who make their mark at one of the top public universities in the United States. Since we first opened in 1908, we’ve been known for standout academics, sustainability and Aggie Pride as well as valuing the Northern California lifestyle. These themes are woven into our 100-plus-year history and our reputation for solving problems related to food, health, the environment and society.Our 5,300-acre campus is in the city of Davis, a vibrant college town of about 68,000 located in Yolo County. The state capital is 20 minutes away, and world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley are within a two-hour drive.