Job offer Postdoctoral Researcher

John Innes Centre; Colney; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible / part-time options

Job summary

The John Innes Centre invites applications for a research role examining molecular mechanisms that dictate palisade and spongy mesophyll cell identities and their impact on leaf function. The Whitewoods lab seeks a self-motivated, capable scientist with a PhD in plant biology or related fields.

You will identify causative mutations, apply molecular and developmental approaches, and perform leaf physiology analyses.

Qualifications

• PhD in plant biology or related field completed.
• Expertise in plant genetics is necessary.
• Experience with molecular biology, confocal microscopy or leaf physiology preferred.
• Willingness to learn new methodologies and work with different species.

Responsibilities

• Investigate molecular mechanisms controlling palisade and spongy mesophyll cell identity and link to leaf function.
• Identify causative mutations and use molecular and developmental approaches to understand regulation of photosynthetic cell identity.
• Perform physiological analyses to understand how mesophyll cell identity affects leaf function.
• Collaborate with The Whitewoods group and supervise students as appropriate.

Skills

Plant genetics

Molecular biology

Confocal microscopy

Leaf physiology

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Learning new methods

Education

PhD in Plant Biology or related field

Job description

The successful candidate will investigate molecular mechanisms that control palisade and spongy mesophyll cell identity and how these link to leaf function. The Whitewoods lab has recently identified two classes of mutants lacking either palisade or spongy mesophyll cells. In this role you will identify the causative mutations and use a range of molecular and developmental approaches to identify the molecular mechanisms that control photosynthetic cell identity. You will also perform physiological analysis to understand how mesophyll cell identity underlies leaf function. Candidates should have a background in plant science with a PhD degree in plant biology or related fields. Expertise in plant genetics is necessary, and experience with molecular biology, confocal microscopy or leaf physiology are also preferred, alongside a willingness and ability to learn and work with new methodologies and different species.

The successful applicant will be a strong team player, highly solution orientated and self-motivated. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, alongside the ability to work independently and with others, with a high degree of accuracy including outstanding record keeping. Experience supervising students is also strongly preferred. There are many exciting avenues this project could take and it can be tailored to the interests of the successful candidate. The Whitewoods group is looking for someone with a strong sense of scientific curiosity and fun who is enthusiastic to contribute to a young lab as it grows. Strong communication skills are required to interact with group members and other researchers at JIC with different scientific backgrounds.

The Whitewoods lab would like to encourage applications from individuals who wish to work flexibly or on a part time basis.

PhD or equivalent

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally.

A starting salary of £40,100 is guaranteed for candidates who can evidence their PhD certificate at appointment. Candidates awaiting confirmation of their PhD award will be appointed at £39,000 until evidence is provided.