While extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) is widespread in the plant kingdom, their identification, as well as their functions in plant stress biology, remain not fully understood (Mohan et al., Trends in Biotechnology, 2024). Moreover, Orphan genes (OGs) are protein-coding genes without a significant sequence similarity in closely related species. Despite their functional importance, very little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms by which OGS participate in diverse biological processes Fakhar et al. Trends in Plant Science 2023, Fakhar et al. JDB, 2023. Qi et al. 2019,). We aim to understand the functions of ORFans and eccDNA in Arabidopsis through the use of stable transgenics and transient assays.
The positions will start from Fall 2024 or Spring 2025. The successful applicant will have skills and experience in one or more areas including Gateway Cloning, Agrobacterium transformation, biotic and abiotic stress assays. Additional advantages include experience in handling transgenic plants and prior involvement with Arabidopsis and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.
Program Details:
- One to two Ph.D. Student position in Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
- Website link: https://sites.uab.edu/smukhtarlab/
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=eCig 8AAAAJ&hl=en
https://www.uab.edu/cas/biology/people/faculty/shahid-m-mukhtar - Starting date: Fall 2024 or Spring 2025
- Location: Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
- Contact: Dr. Shahid Mukhtar, email: smukhtar@uab.edu
- Required qualifications: 1) BS/MS in biology or related field; 2) previous experience working in these disciplines; 3) TOEFL/IELTS is required for international students. APPLICATION: Please contact Dr. Shahid Mukhtar, smukhtar@uab.edu by sending their CVs and via Zoom.
*Following is the full advertisement image provided.
