Although carbohydrate polymers are essential for our health, energy and materials needs, the metabolic pathways related to these complex molecules have been challenging to study in plants (Voiniciuc, 2022; https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18091). The Designer Glycans group uses synthetic biology in yeast and plant model systems to discover how cell wall glycans are made and how their structure/function can be fine-tuned with precision. The lab also collaborates with leading scientists from other countries (e.g. Zhang et al., 2022; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2022.02.069).
We are looking for an inquisitive PhD student, two motivated postdoctoral scientists as well as undergraduate students to join our international team of scientists in the Sunshine State. The Designer Glycans lab is committed to increasing diversity in science and encourages all qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply for these positions. Experience with molecular biology, biochemistry or plant genetics would be an asset but is not strictly required. The start dates are flexible, with August/September 2022 as a desired point for several new members.
How to apply: For full consideration, email Cătălin Voiniciuc (cvoiniciuc@ufl.edu) with a single PDF file detailing your motivation, CV (or resume for undergraduate students) and contact details of references. Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis and continue to be accepted until all the positions are filled.
Location: The University of Florida (www.ufl.edu) 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 Top 5 Public University and has the most powerful supercomputer in U.S. higher education and is building an ambitious Artificial Intelligence (AI) program with far reaching impacts. The Horticultural Sciences department, currently ranked #1 in its national peer group by Academics Analytics, participates in interdisciplinary training programs such as Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology and is leading a collaborative initiative to establish a campus biofoundry. The UF campus also offers world-class facilities for cytometry, microscopy and mass spectrometry in the Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (biotech.ufl.edu).
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