🚀 go-pugleaf

A postdoctoral research position is available in the School of Plant
Sciences at the University of Arizona to participate in a research
project that focuses on understanding pollen tube reception in the
Arabidopsis female gametophyte. Seeds of flowering plants are products
of double fertilization. This essential, yet poorly understood,
process in plant reproduction requires delivery of sperm cells by the
pollen tube to the egg and central cells of the female gametophyte.
However, the pollen tube must arrest its growth in one of the two
synergid cells of the female gametophyte before it can be induced to
deliver the sperm cells.

Previously, we identified LORELEI, a putative
glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein in
Arabidopsis, and demonstrated that it has a role in inducing the
pollen tube to cease growth in the synergid cell of the female
gametophyte. We also showed that loss of LORELEI in the synergid cell
specifically disrupts cell-cell interactions between the pollen tube
and the synergid cell and is, therefore, an excellent candidate for
mediating some aspects of signaling between the pollen tube and the
female gametophyte (Tsukamoto et al 2010, Plant Journal, 62 (4):
571-588). The post doctoral candidate will conduct molecular, genetic,
biochemical, and cell biological experiments to elucidate the role of
LORELEI in inducing pollen tube growth arrest in the Arabidopsis
female gametophyte.

Preference will be given to a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and
independent candidate with a Ph.D. and proven experience in molecular
genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry. Demonstrated written and
oral communication skills and the ability to interact and work
collaboratively with others are essential qualifications.  The
position is available April 1, 2012. Additional information about the
Palanivelu lab, School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, and
the city of Tucson can be found at http://ag.arizona.edu/research/ravilab/index.html

To apply, applicants should send a CV, a letter stating specific
research interests, a summary of research accomplishments and future
research objectives, and the names and contact information (address,
phone, and e-mail) for three references to Dr. Ravi Palanivelu
(rpalaniv@ag.arizona.edu) School of Plant Sciences, University of
Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0036.  The University of Arizona is an
EEO/AA Employer-M/W/D.V.