POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Emergent principles of leaf morphogenesis
YADAV LAB |* DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY |* COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES | UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
LOCATION
Amherst, MA, US
START
Jan – April 2027; negotiable
APPLY BY
September 25, 2026
APPOINTMENT
Full-time
The opportunity
The Yadav lab at UMass Amherst is opening on September 1, 2026. We are seeking a curious, highly driven and self-motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the genetic, epigenetic and biomechanical principles underlying the emergence of leaf shape and form. Using Arabidopsis thaliana leaves as the organ of interest, we ask how cell level processes and their dynamic interactions integrate across scales to influence leaf morphogenesis.
There are multiple transcriptional regulators that influence cell fate, organ growth axes and hormonal signaling. These regulators also influence cytoskeletal organization, cell wall remodeling and cell growth. In plants, cells and cell layers are often physically coupled. Thus, genetic perturbation frequently affects cell growth and mechanical properties to cause morphological deformations. Conversely, mechanical perturbations can also alter molecular patterns, cytoskeletal organization and/or the transport of phytohormones. We will determine how mechano-genetic interactions are integrated across cell layers to produce either smooth, flat leaves (with flat morphology) or trigger geometrical frustrations. We will perturb candidate regulatory pathways, quantify the changes in cell-layer specific growth and mechanics, and use computational models to assess whether the changes are sufficient to reproduce the organ shape.
To do this, we will combine genetics, molecular biology with point-scanning confocal based live imaging (over several days), quantitative morphometrics, mechanical perturbations, and image-based 2D/3D modeling. The postdoctoral researcher will help shape our new research program and will have room to develop independent direction that fits within the broader goals of the lab.
Research foundation
While the following studies are based on Arabidopsis thaliana sepals (modified leaf-like organs surrounding flowers), they illustrate the conceptual and technical foundation of the lab.
1. Singh Yadav, A., Hong, L., Klees, P.M., Kiss, A., Petit, M., He, X., Barrios, I.M., Heeney, M., Galang, A.M.D., Smith, R.S., Boudaoud A., Roeder, A.H.K., (2025). Growth directions and stiffness across cell layers determine whether tissues stay smooth or buckle. bioRxiv. (accepted in principle, Current Biology).
2. He, X., Xu, S., Singh Yadav, A., Liu, R., Zhou, H., Xu, Y., Xiang, D., He, Y., Xu, J., Roeder, A.H.K., and Hong, L. (2025). JAG modulates sepal flatness by regulating cell growth direction, interacts with AS2, and is antagonized by TCP24. Cell Reports 44, 115950.
3. Singh Yadav, A., and Roeder, A.H.K. (2024). An optimized live imaging and multiple cell layer growth analysis approach using Arabidopsis sepals. Frontiers in Plant Science 15. 10.3389/fpls.2024.1449195.
What you will do
· Help set up the lab first-hand (this is a rare & valuable opportunity!) and establish experimental protocols.
· Generate mutants, fluorescent reporters to test how transcription factors & hormonal pathways regulate cell growth, and mechanics.
· Live-image & lineage-track developing plant organs (leaves (primarily), also roots, sepals).
· Use ImageJ & MorphoGraphX for 2.5D/3D segmentation, cell growth tracking across layers and fluorescence quantification
· Design mechanical perturbation(s) and measurement experiments.
· Integrate imaging data with computational modeling, using MorphoDynamX, MorphoMechanX and related finite-element tools to test how layer-specific growth and material properties generate tissue shape.
· Work closely with collaborators across disciples (engineering, mathematics, computer science) at UMass Amherst and other institutions.
· Write manuscripts, contribute to proposals, mentor junior researchers, and help build a fun, supportive, and collaborative lab culture.
Candidate Profile
Required. A Ph.D. in plant biology, developmental biology, biophysics, computational biology, or a related field by the appointment start date. Candidates must demonstrate strong reasoning skills, publication(s) in reputed journal(s), clear scientific communication, and the ability to work both independently and across disciplines.
Preferred research expertise (Expertise in every aspect is not required).
· Plant genetics, epigenetics, developing transgenics, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and designing reporters.
· Confocal live imaging and quantitative image analysis.
· Cell-wall biology, cytoskeletal dynamics, mechanobiology, AFM, or familiarity with force/mechanics measurements.
· Familiarity with computational modeling, finite-element methods, or scientific programming in R, Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++.
**Applicants with formal training in cell wall biology, mechanics and/or mechanical modeling are especially encouraged to apply.**
Research Environment
The Yadav Lab will be based on the third floor, Morrill Science Center 4 South in the Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, UMass Amherst. UMass Amherst is a flagship public land-grant university, with the breadth, energy and resources of a leading R1 institution. In the 2026 U.S. News rankings, UMass Amherst is placed No. 29 among public universities and No. 64 among national universities. More than 32,000 students across 12 schools and colleges create a broad, energetic academic community that is grounded in the public-service and research mission of the university.
Facilities: The Yadav lab will be well equipped with state-of-the-art growth facilities, standard lab equipment, high-end workstations and an in-house upright, point scanning confocal microscope for high-resolution time series imaging experiments. Additionally, UMass Amherst campus offers strong infrastructure for plant research. The IALS Light Microscopy Facility is a Nikon Center of Excellence with expert support and a broad range of imaging modalities. Researchers also have access to shared core facilities for atomic force and electron microscopy, genomics, flow cytometry and mass spectrometry. Additional plant growth space is supported by greenhouses and controlled-growth facilities, including the 15,000-square-foot CNS Research and Education Greenhouse. See the Plant Biology facilities overview.
People and collaborations. The Department of Biology includes more than 50 faculty and participates in four interdepartmental graduate programs. The Plant Biology Graduate Program brings together expertise in cell and developmental biology, cell walls, cytoskeleton, genetics, genomics, physiology, bioinformatics, and systems biology. Lab members will interact with plant scientists in Biology and across campus, engineering researchers, imaging and core-facility specialists, and external collaborators.
Amherst and the Pioneer Valley. Amherst offers the intellectual energy of a college town within the farms, trails, and small communities of western Massachusetts. UMass Amherst is part of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges, creating a rich regional network for seminars, libraries, arts, and community life. The Town of Amherst provides practical resources for new residents and families.
Appointment and Compensation
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance, continued fit, and available funding. Salary will be commensurate with relevant postdoctoral experience and determined in accordance with UMass Amherst policies and institutional guidelines effective at the time of appointment. The NIH NRSA postdoctoral scale may serve as a useful general reference point for applicants. UMass Amherst provides a benefits program for eligible postdoctoral employees. The preferred start is Jan - April 2027, with the exact date negotiable.
How to apply
Please email a complete application to Dr. Avilash Singh Yadav at [email protected], with the title ‘”. Include:
· Cover letter*. Briefly describe your research experience and accomplishments, why our research program interests you, and how your background & training would contribute to the lab. If relevant, include your anticipated Ph.D. completion date and your earliest preferred start date.
· Complete CV, including publications.
· Contact information for three references.
*Note on AI tools: If AI-assisted tools are used in preparing application materials, a brief note describing their use will be appreciated. This application also serves as a way for assessing the applicant’s writing skills. Responsible AI use will not be viewed negatively. Rather, transparency and originality are valued.
For full consideration, apply by September 25, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
UMass Amherst is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination in employment and application for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle, or any other class protected by state or federal law. Read UMass Amherst's recruiting and non-discrimination guidance.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,172.89 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
