THE PROJECTS. NSF and USDA funded postdoctoral positions are available to study an unusual group of insect viruses, the polydnaviruses. The project involves characterization of viral genomes at the molecular level and exploring the relationships between the organization of the viral genome and ultimately the functions of individual viral genes. State-of-the-art DNA sequencing, analysis and robotic arrays and purification will be employed to support high-throughput approaches that are required for this comparative genome sequencing approach. This project has tremendous potential for highly motivated individuals. The project will involve to a lesser extent standard DNA technologies (Southerns, Northerns, cloning and sequencing) as well as tissue culture skills to perform in vitro assays and produce recombinant proteins from insect cells. The successful candidate will have opportunities to participate in other projects involving expression of polydnavirus genes in plant or baculovirus systems, protein purification and other molecular techniques to isolate and characterize functionally active viral genes.
JOB DESCRIPTION. The ideal candidates would have experience in molecular biology with an emphasis on nucleic acid sequencing and analysis. I am most interested in identifying individuals who want to take an interactive, team approach to science that exploits automated technologies to advance their career. I will consider all highly motivated candidates with some relevant experience culture and evidence of strong productivity will be considered. I am also interested in individuals with broad training having a proven ability and interest in adopting and exploiting new technologies. Two possibly three positions area available now with recruiting continuing until suitable applicants are identified. Funding is available for two years at a minimum salary of $27,500US per year. A PhD in the biological sciences or equivalent experience is required. Travel funds are available and will be used to support attendance at meetings that will further the career development of the successful applicants.
THE ENVIRONMENT. The University of Kentucky has a large and diversified biological faculty and strongly supports both basic and applied research. A University wide Molecular Virology Group provides a particularly strong interactive research environment and we will be hosting the American Society of Virology meeting next summer. My laboratory is well equipped with both molecular and tissue culture facilities and we are heavily involved in activities of the University of Kentucky Advanced Genetic Technologies Center. I anticipate that the successful postdoctoral associates will become integral parts of and leaders in the lab and develop a broad set of current molecular techniques. The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, a city of approximately 250,000 in the heart of the Kentucky Bluegrass area. Outstanding outdoor recreational areas are nearby and readily accessible.
TO APPLY. Contact me by return e-mail or send curriculum vitae with names, addresses and phone numbers of 3 references to:
Bruce A. Webb Dept. of Entomology University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40506-0091 tel. 859-257-7415, fax. 859-323-1120 e-mail. bawebb@uky.edu