Postdoctoral Fellowship
Molecular Evolution
Evolution of detoxification enzymes: The Dearing lab at the
University of Utah invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to
participate in a study on the evolution of detoxification enzymes in
mammalian herbivores. Our preliminary data implicates the cytochrome
P450 subfamily 2B as being critical in the biotransformation of plant
secondary compounds, particularly terpenes. The structure and copy
number of CYP2B enzymes may be key in an herbivores ability
specialize on a terpene-rich diet. Future work on this project will
consist of cloning and sequencing CYP2B enzymes from a variety of
mammalian species and comparing predicted protein sequence with
respect to degree of dietary specialization. For more information on
previous research, see
<http://biologylabs.utah.edu/dearing/2011/Publications/Woodrats/mec_4171.pdf>http://biologylabs.utah.edu/dearing/2011/Publications/Woodrats/mec_4171.pdf
http://biologylabs.utah.edu/dearing/2011/Publications/Woodrats/Xeno-Haley.pdf
http://biologylabs.utah.edu/dearing/2011/Publications/Woodrats/Skopec2007.pdf
The ideal candidate will have a strong interest and experience in
theories and techniques of molecular evolution or molecular
ecology. Knowledge of the literature on plant-mammal interactions or
pharmacology desired but not required. Possible field work. The
candidate should have at least one first authored publication in
press and a track record of mentoring undergraduate researchers.
The position is available beginning April 2012 for up to three years
contingent on annual progress. Please send a C.V., statement of
research interests and career goals (2 pages), pdfs of papers, and
contact information (emails and phone numbers) for at least 3
references to Dr. Denise Dearing,
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]; please put
"Postdoctoral Applicant" in the Subject Line.
