A post doctoral associate position is available to work on the molecular
basis of luteovirus transmission by aphids. Specific interests are to
determine the role of the major capsid protein in allowing the virus (1) to
be acquired by an aphid vector, (2) to circulate through the insect and (3)
to be transmitted to a plant and cause a systemic infection. In initial
studies will involve a mutational analysis of the capsid protein and the
associated movement protein, both of which are translated from an
overlapping sequence. The biological effects of the mutations on
virus-aphid and virus-plant interactions using a variety of techniques
established in the laboratory. The project is a collaborative effort
between scientists at Cornell University and the Scottish Crop Research
Institute; another cooperator is located at The Pennsylvania State
University. Applicants should have expertise in molecular biology
techniques, especially cloning and site directed mutagenesis. Knowledge and
skills in plant virology and insect transmission of plant viruses would be
helpful. For additional information contact Dr. Stewart Gray, Department of
Plant Pathology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 (607-255-7844).
Closing date for applications is June 15, 1999. Initial support is for 2
years, salary is commensurate with experience.
Stewart M. Gray
Research Plant Pathologist, USDA, ARS
Assoc. Professor, Dept. Plant Pathology
Cornell University
334 Plant Science
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-7844 (Off.)
607-255-4596 (Lab)
607-255-2459 (Fax)
