University of Wisconsin-Madison

Position Title: Postdoc on Plant Evolutionary Biochemistry and Synthetic Biology, Hiroshi Maeda lab at UW-Madison Position Type: Post-Doctoral Position Department/Division: Department of Botany / Cell & Molecular Biology Field: Plant Evolutionary Biochemistry and Synthetic Biology Address: 430 Lincoln Dr.
Madison, WI 53706
United States General Information:

Hiroshi Maeda Laboratory at University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking a highly motivated, self-driven postdoctoral researcher, who are interested in working on plant evolutionary biochemistry and synthetic biology of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis and the nitrogen metabolic network.

The Maeda lab explores evolutionary diversification of plant primary metabolic enzymes and pathways as well as their regulation using various plant species. We further apply our basic discoveries to redesign plant metabolism and produce beneficial compounds directly from CO2 using plants as chassis. We take a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates phylogenomics, genetics, and molecular biology, as well as various biochemical analyses, including metabolomics, high-throughput enzyme assays, and 13C and 15N stable isotope-labeled metabolic tracer experiments. Our ultimate goal is to build plant chemical production platforms that can efficiently synthesize high-value aromatic chemicals in a sustainable manner. The Maeda lab believes that diversity drives innovations. We are committed to bring in members from diverse backgrounds and to foster collaborations among diverse students and scientists.

Qualifications & Requirements:

A highly-motivated researcher interested in enzyme biochemistry and evolution, metabolic regulation, and plant synthetic biology are encouraged to apply. Strong skills in critical thinking, time management, and oral and written presentation and communication are essential. A prior experience in protein expression and purification, enzyme characterization, and/or metabolite analysis is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities:

Besides advancing research projects and publishing/presenting new findings, the selected candidate will be also involved in various national and international collaborations, mentor undergraduate students, and participate in public outreach events that the Maeda lab regularly runs on and off campus.

Application Instructions:

The starting date is flexible and anytime within the next one year. Please send your application to as a single PDF file containing i) cover letter, ii) CV, and iii) 2 to 4-page research statement explaining your research interest, potential project ideas, and future career goals, and why the Maeda lab is of interest to you. Also, please indicate in your CV the names of at least three referees, who may be contacted for a reference letter.

Related articles:
• Koper et al. (2024) PNAS online, bioRvix doi: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585368
• Jung and Maeda (2024) Plant Physiol. kiae166
• El-Azaz et al. (2023) Nat. Commun. 14, 7242
• Yokoyama et al. (2022) Sci. Adv. 8, eabo3416

Website: https://maeda.botany.wisc.edu/ Compensation Range: $52,000-$56,000/year plus health insurance and other benefits Contact Name: Hiroshi Maeda Contact Email: maeda2@wisc.edu Application Submission Opening: July 1, 2024 | Deadline: July 1, 2025   Back to All Job Listings.