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Position Number: 00109553

Essential Job Duties:
We are a dynamic research team focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of plant-virus-vector interactions. Our mission is to develop new foundational knowledge of plant viruses and to translate this information into new control strategies and biotechnology tools for crop improvement.

The scientist will be part of a collaborative team using plant rhabdoviruses for crop improvement. Work will focus on optimizing carrying capacity of the virus and delivery of proteins and RNAs to maize using the maize mosaic virus (MMV) vector. The candidate will work with insect-transmitted viruses.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop weekly research reports for the PI and monthly reports to the funding agency.
• Contribute to proposal writing and disseminating research findings to the broader community.
• Maintenance of virus and insect colonies.
• Training and mentoring other lab members.
• Work will focus on optimizing carrying capacity of the virus and construction of full-length infectious clones of viruses and mutagenesis of regulatory regions (50%)
• Ability to generate infectious clones of plant viruses and/or gene expression experience. Knowledge of genome editing approaches for crop improvement. (50%)

Departmental Required Skills:

• Ability to generate infectious clones of plant viruses and/or gene expression experience.
• Knowledge of genome editing approaches for crop improvement.
• Demonstrated experience with experimental design and statistical analysis, molecular biology, handling plant viruses/pathogens and/or insect viruses.
• Molecular biology skills required: primer design, DNA/RNA handling, protein expression, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:
We are searching for an independent researcher with:

• Excellent scientific and writing skills.
• Experience with cloning plant viruses, construction of full-length infectious clones and mutagenesis of regulatory regions.
• Experience and/or knowledge of maize genetics and pathogen interactions.
• Experience with transmission biology of insect-borne viruses, herbivorous insect husbandry and/or genome editing of plants is preferred.
• Mentoring experience or a desire to mentor undergraduate researchers is an important component of this position.

Necessary Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid NC Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire.

AA/EOE:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Department: 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology

Location: Raleigh, NC