Multiple postdoctoral and/or visiting scholar positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Xiuren Zhang in Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Department of Biology, Texas A&M University (http://plantrnasilencing.tamu.edu). The Zhang lab utilizes a combination of molecular, biochemical, genetic, -omics, computation, and artificial intelligence approaches to understand RNA biology including posttranscriptional gene silencing and epigenetics in plants, with recent expansion into a broad biology in different organisms. The Zhang lab also studies host-microbe interaction at different genetic layers. The successful candidates will actively participate in, but not be limited to, the following projects:

• Comprehensively study several novel genes and components in RNA silencing identified through our genetic and biochemical systems (Recent publications: Wang, et al., 2018, Nature; Ma, et al., 2018, Dev Cell; Li, et al., 2020, Plants; Sun, et al., 2021, Sci Adv., Wang, et al., 2022, Sci Adv., Shang, et al., 2023, PNAS)
• Genetic codes embedded in RNA secondary structures and epi-transcriptome (Recent publications: Zhang, et al., 2024. Genome Biol; Yan, et al., 2024. Plants; Li, et al., 2024, Nat. Plants(revision); Song, et al., 2024. Nat. Cell Biol. (provisional acceptance).
• Host-microbe interaction at the epigenetic level or other genetic pathways (Recent publications: Hu, et al., 2019, PloS Pathog; Wang, et al., 2023. Nat. Comm. Zhu, et al., 2024. In prep)

For visiting scholars, candidates with a master’s degree from various majors such as genetics, crop breeding, plant pathology, molecular biology, and biochemistry among others are welcome to apply. Score of TOEFL, or IELTS, or Texas A&M-organized English test, is required for international candidates. The candidates can be transferred to Ph.D. students in the lab, depending on the performance and mutual agreement and will be supported through Research Assistantship for years.

Postdoc applicants should process a fresh Ph.D. degree with solid training in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biology, or computation with at least one first-authored publication(s) in a prestigious journal from their PhD work. Candidates should be highly motivated and ambitious with excellent English communication skills. Candidates with the experience in RNA work or basic bioinformatic skills will be a plus. Whereas we have numerous promising projects in hands, we also encourage postdoc fellows to develop their own identities in research directions based on our platform.

Applications are accepted immediately until the positions are filled. The annual salary for postdoc fellows will follow the guidelines of NIH and Texas A&M where the cost expense is much lower than that in metropolitan cities. The initial appointments are for two years, and reappointment will depend on satisfactory job performance and mutual agreement. Interested applicants should send a CV, a summary of research experience, and contact information for at least three references by email to xiuren.zhang@tamu.edu.