Postdoctoral Positions Available in Cereal Pathology and Genomics
USDA-ARS / Iowa State University
The Wise laboratory is currently inviting applications for several
postdoctoral positions.
1) Molecular Genetics of Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Interactions in Maize
The candidate will be responsible for the isolation and functional
characterization of nuclear (Rf) genes that mediate mitochondrial RNA
processing and the restoration of male fertility in T-cytoplasm maize.
Male sterility in T-cytoplasm maize is due to the presence of a novel
mitochondrial gene, T-urf13. Full (or partial) fertility restoration of
T-cytoplasm is mediated by one of three (Rf1, Rf8, or Rf*) nuclear
restorers, in combination with the Rf2 restorer. Rf2 encodes a protein
highly similar to mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenases; Rf1-, Rf8-,and Rf*
each mediate discrete T-urf13 transcript processing events. This
USDA/NRI-funded project is to physically characterize the genomic region
spanning Rf1, use AFLP-transposon display to clone and characterize
additional mutant alleles of Rf1, and to test the functionality of
candidate Rf1 sequences via our newly developed T-cytoplasm, transformation
system. The candidate will have access to a wide array of rf1-m mutants
and recombinant populations as well as BAC library resources and
high-throughput sequencing capability.
Literature references:
Wise, RP, CL Dill, and PS Schnable. 1996. Mutator-induced mutations of the
rf1 nuclear fertility restorer of T-cytoplasm maize alter the accumulation
of T-urf13 mitochondrial transcripts. Genetics 143:1383-1394.
Dill, CL, RP Wise, and PS Schnable. 1997. Rf8 and Rf* mediate unique
T-urf13-transcript accumulation, revealing a conserved motif associated
with RNA processing and restoration of pollen fertility in T-cytoplasm
maize. Genetics 147:1367-1379.
Wise, RP, CR Bronson, PS Schnable, and HT Horner. 1998. The genetics,
pathology, and molecular biology of T-cytoplasm male sterility in maize.
Advances in Agronomy 65: 79-130.
2) Molecular Biology of Host Resistance to Fungal Pathogens
The candidate will investigate the molecular genetics of resistance-gene
signaling to Erysiphe graminis in barley. We have recently identified 3
families of NBS-LRR resistance gene candidates associated with the Mla
resistance-gene cluster on chromosome 5 (1H). The candidate will be
responsible for molecular, genetic, and functional characterization of
gene-specific sequences identified on a 240-kb BAC contig spanning Mla.
Approaches may include, but are not limited to, isolation of cDNAs specific
for candidate alleles, characterization of new Mla-mutant specificities,
use of expressed resistance gene sequences to identify interacting proteins
in the host and/or pathogen in the yeast two-hybrid system, and global
expression studies via cDNA microarray technology. These approaches will
be facilitated by our well-characterized, high-resolution, recombinant
mapping populations, and will complement ongoing projects on the genetics
of resistance to obligate fungal biotrophs in cereal crops.
Literature references:
Wei, F, KS Werner, SM Morroll, J Kurth, L Mao, R Wing, D Leister, P
Schulze-Lefert, and RP Wise. 1999. The Mla (powdery mildew) resistance
cluster is associated with three NBS-LRR gene families and suppressed
recombination within a 240-kb DNA interval on chromosome 5S (1HS) of
barley. Genetics 153:1929-1948.
3) Physical mapping and microarray of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in barley
The candidate will utilize barley BAC library and EST resources for
functional characterization of gene-specific regions in response to biotic
stress. The candidate will utilize known barley genes and ESTs to create
microarray profiles on glass slides. Mapped BAC clones ands/or mRNA
isolated from different "genetic states" will be used as hybridization
probes to assay thousands of expressed sequences in response to pathogen
attack.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. in genetics, molecular biology, plant physiology, or related field.
Experience in manipulation and cloning of large DNA fragments, gene
mapping, computational analysis, and/or cereal transformation is desirable.
Some limitations on citizenship may apply (see below). Applicants should
refer to Position #1, #2, or #3. Highly motivated individuals should send
curriculum vitae, reprints, and references (name, e-mail, address, phone,
and fax no.) to:
Dr. Roger Wise, USDA-ARS
Department of Plant Pathology
351 Bessey Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA, 50011
Telephone: (515) 294-9756
Fax: (515) 294-9420
E-mail: rpwise at iastate.edu
About Iowa State University
Ames (http://www.ames.ia.us/) is a small city of 50,000 people, about half
of who are students
(http://www.demographics.com/publications/ad/98_ad/9801_ad/ad980130.htm).
Affordable housing is available as well as a first-rate public
transportation system. It is also easy to get around town by bicycle. The
city and the University (http://www.iastate.edu/) have numerous parks and
recreation facilities, and the Iowa State Center, home of Hilton Coliseum,
C.Y. Stephens Auditorium and Fisher Theater, hosts numerous music concerts,
live performances, and athletic events throughout the year.
[Citizenship limitations on positions #1 and #2 (funded through competitive
grants to USDA-ARS), requires that it be filled by 1) citizens of the
United States, 2) a citizen of a country which is a member of a defense
treaty, eg., NATO, SEATO, RIO treaty or 3) by citizens of countries which
the U.S. congress has specifically exempted from the restricting
legislation. These countries include: Argentina, Australia, Bahamas,
Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba,
Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece,
Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg,
Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay,
Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Tobago, Trinidad, Turkey,
United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Ireland, Israel, (South
Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian refuges paroled into the U.S. after
January 1, 1975), (Aliens from Cuba, Poland, South Vietnam, countries of
the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania admitted to the
U.S. for permanent residence), (Natives of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the
Northern Mariana Islands), and (Nationals of the Peoples Republic of China
that were in the U.S. on or before June 5, 1989 up until April 11, 1990,
and qualify under the Chinese student protection act of 1992)]
_____________________________
Roger Wise, USDA-ARS
Department of Plant Pathology
409 Bessey Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
50011-1020 USA
Phone: 515-294-9756
Fax: 515-294-9420
E-mail: rpwise at iastate.edu
_____________________________
http://www.plantstress.iastate.edu/
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