A graduate research assistantship (GRA) leading to a Ph.D. in Plant
Molecular Biology is available in Plant Science Department at South
Dakota State University (SDSU). The GRA will work as part of a team on
NSF- and USDA/NIFA-funded projects to clone and characterize naturally
occurring genes responsible for seed dormancy from weedy rice. Seed
dormancy is a key adaptive trait of both fundamental and agricultural
importance, as it regulates the timing of germination for wild species,
contributes to the persistence of weeds in agro-ecosystems, and provides
cereal crops with the resistance to pre-harvest sprouting. Several
quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed dormancy have been
isolated as single Mendelian factors from weedy into cultivated rice and
some of them map-based cloned in the Seed Molecular Biology
Laboratory. The GRA will be involved in cloning additional seed dormancy
QTL and characterizing QTL underlying genes for molecular/physiological
pathways. Applicants must have received basic training in plant
genetics, molecular biology, physiology, or biochemistry. Experience in
QTL mapping/cloning or RNA-seq/microarray analysis is preferred. The
flexibility to work independently or as a team member and good
communication and writing skills are required.

To apply, please send your C.V., a cover letter, and contact information
for three references to Dr. Xingyou Gu by email
(Xingyou.gu@sdstate.edu). Selection for the GRA position will be based
on basic and preferred qualifications and working experience.