Kirk Amundson
@kirkamundson.bsky.social
USDA NIFA Postdoctoral Fellow @UMass
Plant Genome Evolution | Grasses
Plant Genome Evolution | Grasses
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Our work on Naegleria Myosin 2 is out!
Naegleria encodes 3 Myo2s which contract its actin network—the first evidence of contractile Myo2 outside of Amorphea.
Myo2 is actually widespread in Naegleria's relatives and correlates with fast cell crawling.
Read more: www.cell.com/current-biol...
Naegleria encodes 3 Myo2s which contract its actin network—the first evidence of contractile Myo2 outside of Amorphea.
Myo2 is actually widespread in Naegleria's relatives and correlates with fast cell crawling.
Read more: www.cell.com/current-biol...
Myosin 2 drives actin contractility in fast-crawling species outside of the amorphean lineage
Myosin 2-dependent actin contractility—the force that powers cell division and migration
in animals, fungi, and other Amorphea—had been previously unknown outside this single
eukaryotic group. Guest e...
www.cell.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Our work on Naegleria Myosin 2 is out!
Naegleria encodes 3 Myo2s which contract its actin network—the first evidence of contractile Myo2 outside of Amorphea.
Myo2 is actually widespread in Naegleria's relatives and correlates with fast cell crawling.
Read more: www.cell.com/current-biol...
Naegleria encodes 3 Myo2s which contract its actin network—the first evidence of contractile Myo2 outside of Amorphea.
Myo2 is actually widespread in Naegleria's relatives and correlates with fast cell crawling.
Read more: www.cell.com/current-biol...
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
🌱 Postdoc position in Plant Genomics/Bioinformatics!
Love genome plasticity, computational methods, and solving big questions in plant biology? Join our newly established Institute for Crop Biology at HHU Düsseldorf.
More info on schneebergerlab.org/career/
Apply by Nov. 30 | 3-year position
Love genome plasticity, computational methods, and solving big questions in plant biology? Join our newly established Institute for Crop Biology at HHU Düsseldorf.
More info on schneebergerlab.org/career/
Apply by Nov. 30 | 3-year position
Career – Schneeberger Lab
schneebergerlab.org
November 11, 2025 at 9:50 AM
🌱 Postdoc position in Plant Genomics/Bioinformatics!
Love genome plasticity, computational methods, and solving big questions in plant biology? Join our newly established Institute for Crop Biology at HHU Düsseldorf.
More info on schneebergerlab.org/career/
Apply by Nov. 30 | 3-year position
Love genome plasticity, computational methods, and solving big questions in plant biology? Join our newly established Institute for Crop Biology at HHU Düsseldorf.
More info on schneebergerlab.org/career/
Apply by Nov. 30 | 3-year position
Finally out! We measured mutations in tetraploid potato. Highlights:
- higher mutation rates in L1 than L2
- even higher rates and a distinct oxidative stress signature outside of meristems
- lower mutation rates in genes everywhere we looked
More 👇
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2514507122
- higher mutation rates in L1 than L2
- even higher rates and a distinct oxidative stress signature outside of meristems
- lower mutation rates in genes everywhere we looked
More 👇
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2514507122
PNAS
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) - an authoritative source of high-impact, original research that broadly spans...
nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Finally out! We measured mutations in tetraploid potato. Highlights:
- higher mutation rates in L1 than L2
- even higher rates and a distinct oxidative stress signature outside of meristems
- lower mutation rates in genes everywhere we looked
More 👇
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2514507122
- higher mutation rates in L1 than L2
- even higher rates and a distinct oxidative stress signature outside of meristems
- lower mutation rates in genes everywhere we looked
More 👇
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2514507122
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Are you looking for a PhD in Plant Science? Check our our project on barley canopy architecture. Combine genetics and physics to understand how awns influence barley grain development. Find out more here: lnkd.in/eWhWammJ Apply by 14th December. #PhDPosition
#PlantSci @instmolplantsci.bsky.social
#PlantSci @instmolplantsci.bsky.social
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
November 10, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Are you looking for a PhD in Plant Science? Check our our project on barley canopy architecture. Combine genetics and physics to understand how awns influence barley grain development. Find out more here: lnkd.in/eWhWammJ Apply by 14th December. #PhDPosition
#PlantSci @instmolplantsci.bsky.social
#PlantSci @instmolplantsci.bsky.social
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Warning. ⚠️ If you are writing an NSF GRFP, new this year, you need official transcripts to apply. Beware. They will not review applications without official transcripts. ‼️
November 4, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Warning. ⚠️ If you are writing an NSF GRFP, new this year, you need official transcripts to apply. Beware. They will not review applications without official transcripts. ‼️
Our lab’s variegated peperomia makes green flecks on leaves, but only on the abaxial side. It’s the typical sandwich: L1 green-L2 yellow-L3 green, so guessing flecks are L1-derived cells dividing periclinally into L2. But how only on the abaxial side? Something to do with the super thick epidermis?
October 31, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Our lab’s variegated peperomia makes green flecks on leaves, but only on the abaxial side. It’s the typical sandwich: L1 green-L2 yellow-L3 green, so guessing flecks are L1-derived cells dividing periclinally into L2. But how only on the abaxial side? Something to do with the super thick epidermis?
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Come work with us!!
We have a great group of plant biologists already, and there are FOUR searches for new plant biologists of different flavours across campus. We also have an outstanding group of animal physiologists (including @mstager.bsky.social ). Please apply!!
We have a great group of plant biologists already, and there are FOUR searches for new plant biologists of different flavours across campus. We also have an outstanding group of animal physiologists (including @mstager.bsky.social ). Please apply!!
Just a few days left to apply to our TT position in Plant Physiology in the Dept. of Biology @UMassAmherst! Join a great group of plant scientists (and physiologists 😉) AND fall in love with small town New England! Please repost. careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-u...
Details - Assistant Professor - Plant Physiology | Human Resources | UMass Amherst
careers.umass.edu
October 29, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Come work with us!!
We have a great group of plant biologists already, and there are FOUR searches for new plant biologists of different flavours across campus. We also have an outstanding group of animal physiologists (including @mstager.bsky.social ). Please apply!!
We have a great group of plant biologists already, and there are FOUR searches for new plant biologists of different flavours across campus. We also have an outstanding group of animal physiologists (including @mstager.bsky.social ). Please apply!!
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Just for fun, here's a game I like to call "Find the neuron" with examples of olfactory sensory neuron images from Šmít et al 2017 (doi.org/10.7554/eLif...) and Filoreta ramosa, a free-living syncytial amoeba from a salt marsh.
October 29, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Just for fun, here's a game I like to call "Find the neuron" with examples of olfactory sensory neuron images from Šmít et al 2017 (doi.org/10.7554/eLif...) and Filoreta ramosa, a free-living syncytial amoeba from a salt marsh.
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
My PhD work is up on bioRxiv! Read all about the #actin and #microtubule #cytoskeleton of the Rhizarian #amoeba Filoreta ramosa here: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
October 29, 2025 at 3:47 PM
My PhD work is up on bioRxiv! Read all about the #actin and #microtubule #cytoskeleton of the Rhizarian #amoeba Filoreta ramosa here: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
From @kirkamundson.bsky.social this looks pretty amazing. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
A deep-time landscape of plant cis-regulatory sequence evolution
Developmental gene function is conserved over deep time, but cis -regulatory sequence conservation is rarely found. Rapid sequence turnover, paleopolyploidy, structural variation, and limited phylogen...
www.biorxiv.org
October 17, 2025 at 9:38 AM
From @kirkamundson.bsky.social this looks pretty amazing. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
PD fellowship opportunity! New project ideas on medicinal plant engineering, cell type specific response to elicitation of biosynthesis, and epigenome/cloning evolution of long term cultured plant cells in the context of chemical production. www.simonsfoundation.org/grant/simons...
Email me!
Email me!
Simons Postdoctoral Fellowships in Plant Biology
Simons Postdoctoral Fellowships in Plant Biology on Simons Foundation
www.simonsfoundation.org
October 14, 2025 at 12:45 PM
PD fellowship opportunity! New project ideas on medicinal plant engineering, cell type specific response to elicitation of biosynthesis, and epigenome/cloning evolution of long term cultured plant cells in the context of chemical production. www.simonsfoundation.org/grant/simons...
Email me!
Email me!
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
The @uncchapelhill.bsky.social Department of Biology is searching for tenure-track Assistant Professor in Plant Molecular Biology. Chapel Hill is a wonderful place and Biology is an amazing group of people. To apply, see:
unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307...
unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307...
October 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM
The @uncchapelhill.bsky.social Department of Biology is searching for tenure-track Assistant Professor in Plant Molecular Biology. Chapel Hill is a wonderful place and Biology is an amazing group of people. To apply, see:
unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307...
unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307...
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Of note: "Of particular importance, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of the strength that is brought to science through diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility."
October 6, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Of note: "Of particular importance, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of the strength that is brought to science through diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility."
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Here is a great job for the right plant physiologist.
UMass Amherst Biology is recruiting a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of Plant Physiology. Deadline Nov 1. Please spread the word and apply!
careers.massachusetts.edu/mob/en-us/jo...
careers.massachusetts.edu/mob/en-us/jo...
Assistant Professor - Plant Physiology
The Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of Plant Physiology. The successful can...
careers.massachusetts.edu
October 4, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Here is a great job for the right plant physiologist.
UMass Amherst Biology is recruiting a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of Plant Physiology. Deadline Nov 1. Please spread the word and apply!
careers.massachusetts.edu/mob/en-us/jo...
careers.massachusetts.edu/mob/en-us/jo...
Assistant Professor - Plant Physiology
The Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of Plant Physiology. The successful can...
careers.massachusetts.edu
October 4, 2025 at 7:04 PM
UMass Amherst Biology is recruiting a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of Plant Physiology. Deadline Nov 1. Please spread the word and apply!
careers.massachusetts.edu/mob/en-us/jo...
careers.massachusetts.edu/mob/en-us/jo...
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Looks like the solicitation finally posted! www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
September 26, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Looks like the solicitation finally posted! www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
"With 2 weeks left before the end of this fiscal year, USDA’s [NIFA] had awarded just 558 competitive grants ... 68% fewer than during the prior fiscal year—and $741 million less in competitively awarded research funds"
Don't forget #PlantSci and ag research, folks.
www.science.org/content/arti...
Don't forget #PlantSci and ag research, folks.
www.science.org/content/arti...
USDA funding delays under Trump compromise agricultural research
Sharp drop in grant awards leaves researchers frustrated
www.science.org
September 18, 2025 at 2:43 PM
"With 2 weeks left before the end of this fiscal year, USDA’s [NIFA] had awarded just 558 competitive grants ... 68% fewer than during the prior fiscal year—and $741 million less in competitively awarded research funds"
Don't forget #PlantSci and ag research, folks.
www.science.org/content/arti...
Don't forget #PlantSci and ag research, folks.
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
My department is hiring! Join us! jobs.colostate.edu/postings/165...
September 8, 2025 at 7:41 PM
My department is hiring! Join us! jobs.colostate.edu/postings/165...
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
While full solicitation isn’t up, looks like we have 2025 proposal deadlines for the GRFP: www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
www.nsf.gov
September 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM
While full solicitation isn’t up, looks like we have 2025 proposal deadlines for the GRFP: www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Once more, with feeling.
Using Kernza, a perennial grain with 1/3 the yield of wheat, to make crackers and beer for rich people is NOT a climate solution.
Only at the end does this piece quote @mikegrunwald.bsky.social on Kernza's yield problem.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/b...
Using Kernza, a perennial grain with 1/3 the yield of wheat, to make crackers and beer for rich people is NOT a climate solution.
Only at the end does this piece quote @mikegrunwald.bsky.social on Kernza's yield problem.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/b...
Patagonia Changed the Apparel Business. Can It Change Food, Too?
www.nytimes.com
September 7, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Once more, with feeling.
Using Kernza, a perennial grain with 1/3 the yield of wheat, to make crackers and beer for rich people is NOT a climate solution.
Only at the end does this piece quote @mikegrunwald.bsky.social on Kernza's yield problem.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/b...
Using Kernza, a perennial grain with 1/3 the yield of wheat, to make crackers and beer for rich people is NOT a climate solution.
Only at the end does this piece quote @mikegrunwald.bsky.social on Kernza's yield problem.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/b...
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Spread the word 😃
Our department has an open position at the Assitant Professor level 🌱
Our department has an open position at the Assitant Professor level 🌱
Our department (Berkeley PMB) is hiring an asst. prof. in Plant Resilience to Climate Change! aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05049
Assistant Professor - Plant Resilience to Climate Change - Department of Plant and Microbial Biology
University of California, Berkeley is hiring. Apply now!
aprecruit.berkeley.edu
September 3, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Spread the word 😃
Our department has an open position at the Assitant Professor level 🌱
Our department has an open position at the Assitant Professor level 🌱
Reposted by Kirk Amundson
Partial retention of ancient function increases genetic pleiotropy in grass evolution https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.22.670905v1
August 24, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Partial retention of ancient function increases genetic pleiotropy in grass evolution https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.22.670905v1
Clonal variants of the Russet Norkotah potato cultivar are popular for their vigorous growth, delayed maturity and higher yield.
We tracked down the mutation that likely drives these changes to a TE that hopped out of CDF1. Out now in @plantphys.bsky.social
academic.oup.com/plphys/artic...
We tracked down the mutation that likely drives these changes to a TE that hopped out of CDF1. Out now in @plantphys.bsky.social
academic.oup.com/plphys/artic...
Clonal strains of the fresh-market potato cultivar Russet Norkotah changed the domestication gene CDF1
Dear Editor,
academic.oup.com
August 19, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Clonal variants of the Russet Norkotah potato cultivar are popular for their vigorous growth, delayed maturity and higher yield.
We tracked down the mutation that likely drives these changes to a TE that hopped out of CDF1. Out now in @plantphys.bsky.social
academic.oup.com/plphys/artic...
We tracked down the mutation that likely drives these changes to a TE that hopped out of CDF1. Out now in @plantphys.bsky.social
academic.oup.com/plphys/artic...