Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Immunity and Extracellular Immune Signaling

About this position

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.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF  by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date and submit: 

• Cover letter describing research experience and interests
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation 

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) . 

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

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/541193

Our Commitment:

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. 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.

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