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 postdoc will 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 should have a strong passion for microbiology research, particularly bacterial protein secretion systems. Candidates are required to possess research experience and expertise in at least two of the following areas: bacterial genetics, protein biochemistry, microscopy, and bioinformatics.

The lab is using moss (Physcomitrium patens) as a model to investigate various developmental biology-related questions in plants. The lab routinely employs techniques such as genetic manipulations, protein expression/purification, and confocal microscopy observation. We encourage those interested in plant biology to be part of the team.

• A PhD degree in Plant Biology/Genetics/Biochemistry or a related discipline.
• A good command of English and capable of acquiring new skills.
• Must be experienced in more than one of the following techniques: (1) molecular biology (Golden gate/gateway/Gibson assembly), confocal microscopy (time-lapse imaging, image analysis), DNA sequencing analysis (RNAseq, scRNAseq), Biomolecular interactions (in vitro pull-down, MicroScale Thermophoresis, Isothermal titration calorimetry).
• A good track record of publication that demonstrates the above.

We are seeking 1–2 postdoctoral fellows to join our lab in studying polymicrobial interactions and host–microbe interactions with agricultural relevance. Our research integrates comparative genomics, ecological sampling, microbial genetics, and functional assays to understand how fungi, bacteria, and phages interact within polymicrobial communities and how these interactions influence microbial pathogenesis in plant hosts.

Our lab has strong expertise in functional genomics and experimental evolution, using bottom-up approaches to address these questions. We welcome postdoctoral researchers with complementary interests—such as plant immunity, evolutionary genomics, or microbial ecology—to join our team. This position is ideal for recently graduated PhD scientists who are passionate about microbial interactions and aspire to pursue a faculty position in academia.

The position is open until filled.
Lab website: www.labofpie.org

Research Topics

1. Genetic basis of fungal–bacterial–phage interactions and their impact on microbial community development
2. Comparative analysis of microbial pathogenic genes in single versus mixed infections
3. Bioinformatic and evolutionary analysis of antimicrobial genes in plant pathogens

Job Responsibilities

1. Lead and contribute to independent and collaborative research projects
2. Design and conduct experiments and/or computational data analyses
3. Develop and maintain standardized laboratory protocols or bioinformatic pipelines
4. Actively participate in manuscript preparation and scientific presentations
5. Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers

• PhD in biology, microbiology, genomics, evolutionary biology, or a related discipline
• Experience in phage biology, plant immunity, comparative genomics, and/or working with plant fungal or bacterial pathogens is highly desirable
• Strong programming skills in Python and R, with experience analyzing NGS data, preferred
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent English writing and communication skills
• Willingness to mentor students and develop grant-writing skills
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time-management abilities
• Positive, adaptable, and self-motivated attitude

Our research team is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join us in exploring the evolution, ecology, and biology of eukaryotic microbes with key ecological roles on Earth. We focus on the interactions between microbes and their environment and utilize cutting-edge omics and bioinformatics tools to uncover their evolutionary trajectories and regulatory mechanisms. Currently, we are conducting an NSTC-funded project on marine algae, population variation, and warming. This position is open until filled.

Research Topics
1. Population genomics and evolutionary biology of marine algae.
2. Effects of oceanographic and physico-chemical factors on algal distribution.
3. Genomic variation, transcriptomic regulation and physiological properties of lipid synthesis and host-virus interactions in marine algae.

Job description:
1. Lead and participate in research projects.
2. Design and conduct experiments or data analyses.
3. Establish standardized protocols or pipelines for all team members.
4. Actively participate in scientific writing and presentation
5. Mentor junior researchers

-PhD in genomics, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, marine biology, microbiology, or a related field.
-Research experience in related topics.
-Strong programming skills in Python, R, or other relevant languages.
-Ability to lead research projects independently and collaborate effectively within a team.
-Proficient in English writing and communication skills.
-Experience in writing scientific papers and presenting at conferences.

Our institute is part of Academia Sinica, the Taiwanese academy of sciences. The working language in our lab and institute is English. Knowledge in Mandarin or other Taiwanese languages is not required, but foreign researchers are encouraged to take Mandarin classes if they want. More details can be found on our lab and institute websites. Inquiries are also welcome.