[Erh-Min Lai] Research Assistant

The major research interests in the LAI lab are to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying how bacterial pathogens deploy protein secretion systems for survival at its ecological niche and successful infection inside the plant host. We study the mechanistic and biological insights of the two major protein secretion nanomachines, type IV and type VI secretion systems (T4SS and T6SS), in Agrobacterium tumefaciens, the causal agent of crown gall disease and powerful gene transfer tool. We also aim to identify novel agrobacterial and plant genes critical for plant transformation and gene editing. The knowledge may provide new insights to improve Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation and translational applications in biomedicine and/or agriculture.

The Research Assistant will work with a senior Ph.D. student or a postdoc to carry out a two-year research grant to study the antibacterial T6SS with focuses to investigate the T6SS evolution and assembly mechanisms.

The LAI lab provides the research environments and expertise on studies of protein secretion and pathogen-plant interactions using various tools including genetics/genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry/proteomics, and cell biology. The research may expand to study structural aspects of T6SS-assocaited protein complex using X-ray crystallography and cryoEM. The postdoc is also encouraged to develop an independent project and will be trained to serve as a mentor toward an independent investigator. The LAI lab is also active in international collaborations, which will bring opportunities for abroad training.

Applicants with MS or BS degree with a strong passion for microbiology research, particularly bacterial protein secretion systems. Candidates with research experience and expertise in at least two of the following areas: bacterial genetics, protein biochemistry, microscopy, and bioinformatics, are preferred but not required.

NT$ 41,678 for MS, NT$ 36,331 for BS, according to regulation.

Please send a complete CV, names of 2 references to Dr. Erh-Min Lai (emlai@gate.sinica.edu.tw). Suitable candidates will be invited for interviews.