The Tholl lab at the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech is recruiting a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Functional Genomics and Metabolic Engineering of Volatile Natural Products. The Tholl lab integrates biochemical, molecular, and genomic tools to investigate the metabolism of volatile compounds in plants and insects. The lab applies this knowledge to improve crop resilience and pest management and improve the production of aroma compounds, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products.

The candidate will have the opportunity to work on a project with focus on gene discovery and biosynthesis of plant volatile compounds, especially phenylpropenes, with multiple values as natural defenses, flavors, and industrial value products in food crops. An additional side project in crop trait improvement offers the opportunity of engineering insect volatile pheromones in plants for the development of enhanced trap crops. We are looking for a talented scientist with strong motivation and interest in natural product functional genomics and metabolic engineering. The applicant should have demonstrated expertise in functional genomics/transcriptomics and gene discovery. A track record in enzyme characterization and natural product analysis is preferable. Strong problem-solving, and oral and written communication skills as well as experience working within a team are essential. The candidate will be involved with mentoring graduate and/or undergraduate students. The Tholl lab welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. 

The candidate will join an excellent and supportive scientific community in the Biological Sciences Department and across departments in the Virginia Tech Translational Plant Sciences Center. Moreover, the applicant will experience a vibrant university environment in the heart of the Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains.

The position is available immediately. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, 1-2-page research statement about their research interests and future career goals, and contact information for three referees to the Virginia Tech Postdoctoral Associate Position Requisition Number 530280 or/and directly to tholl@vt.edu. For additional questions, please contact Dorothea Tholl (phone: 540-231-4567; email: tholl@vt.edu). For more information, please visit the Tholl lab web-site https://chemicalcommunications.wordpress.com/.