*Postdoctoral Fellowship: **Molecular Evolution of Plant-Animal Interactions*
*Plant-Animal Interactions*: The Dearing lab at the University of Utah invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to participate in a study to understand the co-evolution of mammalian herbivores and plant defensive compounds. This collaborative project will investigate the role of a subfamily of detoxification enzymes with respect to dietary strategy. Few mammalian herbivores are capable of dietary specialization. Our preliminary data suggest the cytochrome P450 2B subfamily is critical in the biotransformation of plant secondary compounds, particularly terpenes. These enzymes may play a key role in dietary specialization since substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency of CYP2B enzymes can be greatly affected by small changes in amino acid sequence. The change of even a single amino acid, particularly in critical regions such as a substrate recognition site, can have notable effects on metabolism of substrates. Thus, the structure and copy number of CYP2B genes may be key in an herbivore’s ability specialize on a terpene-rich diet. The future work consists of characterizing and comparing the amino acid sequences of CYP2B enzymes of specialist and generalist woodrats (*Neotoma spp.*) and possibly other terpene feeders. We are currently sequencing the genome of *Neotoma lepida* with assembly expected by April 1, 2015. The successful applicant will use this new genomic information to amplify and sequence CYP2B genes from a variety of wild mammalian species, compare predicted protein sequence with respect to degree of dietary specialization, and characterize the function of the proteins purified from heterologous expression systems to determine the structural basis of functional differences. The applicant may also conduct enzyme assays. This research is a collaborative project with Dr. James Halpert, UConn and provides possibilities for interactions with his research group. For more information on previous research, see: http://biologylabs.utah.edu/dearing/Lab/pdf/2012_journal_pone.pdf http://biologylabs.utah.edu/dearing/Lab/pdf/2009_expression_biotrans_magnanou.pdf The ideal candidate will have experience accessing and evaluating genomic data, using molecular techniques, experience with biochemical analyses and have an interest in addressing questions of molecular evolution, molecular ecology or plant-animal interactions. Animal collection fieldwork is possible. The candidate should have at least one first authored publication in press. The Dearing lab provides a strong training and career development environment for candidates interested in academic positions. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The preferred start date is July 6, 2015, with an earlier start date possible. Please send a cover letter, C.V., statement of research interests that includes career goals (1-2 pgs), pdfs of papers, and contact information (emails and phone numbers) for at least 3 professional references to Dr. Denise Dearing, *[email protected] <[email protected]>*; please put “*Postdoctoral Applicant CYP2B*” in the Subject Line.
