We are looking for motivated researchers to join our growing interdisciplinary group at one of the top research universities in plant and animal sciences.

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Research Opportunities:

Postdoctoral candidates

We are looking for highly motivated individuals with excellent biochemistry, plant biology and/or structural biology background to study the structure-function of hormone signaling and regulation by ubiquitin system in plants. A successful candidate MUST meet at least 5 out of 6 of the following requirements:

  • PhD in Biochemistry and/or Structural Biology and/or Plant Biology (must be not more than 1-2 years of postgraduate -PhD training).
  • Extensive experience with molecular biology and cloning techniques.
  • Proven experience in protein expression systems (including E-coli and/or insect cells) and large-scale protein purification techniques (using chromatographical methods).
  • Excellent and proven background in structural biology (x-ray crystallography and/or CryoEM).
  • Ability and desire to train junior scientists (good communication skills).
  • Experience in plant biochemistry and/or modern plant biology methodologies in Arabidopsis, Tobacco, and poplar.

 

! Please send your application via email directly to Dr. Nitzan Shabek, with the subject line: Shabek Lab – Application for Postdoctoral position in Structural Biology OR Plant Biology. Please include a brief cover letter that highlights your research experience, interests and how it may align with our program, your CV, and contact information of 2-3 references. Please use your current institution’s e-mail account when sending your application.

Failure to adhere to the instructions above may result in your application being categorized as generic and subsequently filtered into the spam folder.

 

Prospective Graduate Students

PhD programs: We are accepting graduate students who are highly motivated to take part in our research and investigate the molecular secrets of nature from the atomic level to whole organismal biology.  ! You can join the lab (after a successful rotation) only via the PhD programs in UCD, preferably through the Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (BMCDB), Plant Biology (PBGG), Biophysics, or Integrative Genetics and Genomics (IGG) graduate groups at UC Davis (please contact Dr. Nitzan Shabek for more information about rotations in the lab via Graduate Group programs at UCD, when doing so please use your current institution’s e-mail account NOT gmail). Dr. Shabek is also a member of the DEB Faculty (Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology), the Chemical Biology Group (CBP), the MCB T32 training program, and the Cancer Therapeutics Program (CTP).

*NOTE:  For prospective graduate students currently seeking direct admission: please note that we can only consider applicants who either have or are in the process of securing predoctoral fellowships (eligible to study in the United States). Preference will be given to candidates who have a relevant research background at the M.Sc. level (e.g., 1-3 gap years in relevant research lab or biotech). Regardless the above, ALL applicants must apply to the UCD PhD programs and be successfully admitted to a specific grad group.

MSc (for a Master degree): same information as above – please check UCD for application process and due dates. Master degree is about 2 years program (usually self-funded) and can be addmitted via various graduate program on campus such as PBGG. Master degree is a great option for students who wish to solidify and expand their research skills and knowledge in a relatively short term. We highly encourage students to consider this option and/or discuss with Dr. Shabek about it. 

Undergraduates

We invite motivated and inquisitive undergraduate students who are enthusiastic about acquiring comprehensive research skills and gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques in biochemistry, structural and functional biology, and modern plant biology. An ideal candidate should have a strong foundation in biological sciences and some prior exposure to laboratory procedures.

If you are interested in joining us – please contact Dr. Nitzan Shabek or the Shabek Lab Manager for more information about current availability.

Diversity Statement

Diversity is at the core of our lab’s values. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment fosters creativity, innovation, and a broader perspective. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, religions, cultures, and identities, as we believe that diverse teams lead to more robust and impactful research outcomes. We are committed to promoting equality, equity, and respect for all team members. We actively seek to create a space where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

In the Shabek Lab, we welcome anyone who is enthusiastically interested in unraveling the intricate molecular structures that regulate biological signaling pathways. Read more about our Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion values.