Postdoctoral Fellow in Plant Cell Wall Signaling

The McFarlane Lab (https://mcfarlane.csb.utoronto.ca/) in the Department of Cell & Systems Biology at the University of Toronto is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to study the molecular mechanisms of plant cell wall signaling. This fully-funded, unionized position includes benefits such as paid vacation and extended health and dental care. The initial appointment will be for 1 year, with possible renewal to a total of 2.5 years of the funded project, supported by the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) via the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Area of Research: The McFarlane Lab studies plant cell wall synthesis, secretion, signaling, and remodeling with a view to improving plant biomass for food, materials, and energy. We use a combination of approaches to uncover the molecular mechanisms that underlie plant cell wall synthesis and signaling, including forward and reverse genetics, chemical biology, proteomics, live cell imaging, electron microscopy, molecular biology, biochemistry, and computational biology. The McFarlane lab values respect, trust, independence, teamwork, and curiosity and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates who are motivated to advance research and innovation and who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas in the lab.

Description of Duties: The successful candidate will join the McFarlane Lab’s research to understand plant cell wall signaling using a novel genetic screen to identify signal transduction components and then characterize these components using state-of-the-art microscopy, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and computational tools. The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Designing, planning, and executing research to uncover the molecular mechanisms of cell wall signaling.
• Conducting experiments using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model genetic system, including genetic screens, mapping-by-sequencing, cloning & plant transformation, biochemical cell wall analyses, quantitative live cell imaging, and protein biochemistry.
• Communicating research results to the PI and other members of the research team in the format of figures, written reports, and oral presentations.
• Conducting data analyses and reporting (e.g., drafting progress reports, presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications).
• Training and supervising research team members, such as undergraduate work-study students.
• Project management to ensure that project goals are met within the context of the larger research program, including research milestones and communication milestones (e.g., presenting research findings at conferences, drafting manuscripts for publication).
• Working independently to advance the project and working as part of the McFarlane Lab team to advance the larger research program of the lab.

Salary: $50,000 to $60,000 CDN annually (commensurate with experience), plus benefits.

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD in plant biology, cell biology, genetics, or a related discipline. The PhD should be granted within the last 5 years (i.e., in 2019 or later), although career breaks will be considered when applicants are nearing the end of this eligibility period (e.g., maternity or parental leave, caregiver’s responsibilities, illness).
• Demonstrated understanding of scientific principles, experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analyses, and science communication, as documented by research results, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations.
• Strong experimental skills in molecular biology, cell biology, and plant genetics.
• First-rate written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent self-directed problem-solving skills, a track-record of timely project completion, and a demonstrated capacity to work in teams.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with forward genetic screens and mapping-by-sequencing in Arabidopsis thaliana.
• Experience in cell wall biochemistry, plant biomechanics, or protein biochemistry.

Application Instructions: Please submit an application package including a cover letter, a CV, and names and contact details (email address and phone numbers) for three individuals who will be willing to provide letters of references.

• The cover letter should be no longer than 2 pages and should include details of previous research experiences, research interests, long-term career goals, and a discussion of your fit with this position.
• The CV should include details of your education, research experience, publications, conference presentations, and grants, awards, and fellowships.
• Reference letters are not required at the application stage but will be requested from referees of shortlisted candidates.
• Please submit applications via email to mcfarlane@utoronto.ca with the subject line: “OAFRI Postdoc Application”.

Closing Date: Review of applications will commence on July 17, 2024; all qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before this date, but review of applications will continue until the position is filled. All applicants will be advised by email of the outcome of their application within 10 days of the acceptance of the position by the successful applicant.

Supervisor: Professor Heather E. McFarlane

Expected Start Date: October 1, 2024

Term: The initial appointment will be for one year, with possible renewal to a total of 2.5 years of the funded project.

FTE: 100%. The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and professional development and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work.

About UofT & CSB: The St. George (downtown) campus of UofT is located in the heart of Toronto, a world-class multicultural city with a reputation for liveability. The University of Toronto is a first-rate, publicly-funded university (ranked 21^st globally) with a strong record of undergraduate and graduate teaching, and both foundational and applied research. The Department of Cell & Systems Biology (CSB) is a multidisciplinary department with excellent strength in plant biology. CSB prides itself on its outstanding, professionally-managed plant growth facilities, cutting-edge imaging facilities for both light and electron microscopy, the Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, The Bio-Analytic Resource (featuring ePlant), plus a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to mental health and wellness.

Employment as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.