Postdoctoral Plant Scientist (KTP Associate), Life Sciences

University of Essex; Colchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK university is looking for a KTP Associate to embed crop science expertise within a company to develop a novel screening test for Fusarium in onion seeds. Ideal candidates should hold a PhD in Plant Biology or related field. Responsibilities include leading project development, engaging with various stakeholders, and contributing to academic publications. The role offers substantial professional development and exposure to industry practices. This is based in Colchester, England, at PG Rix's offices and University laboratories.

Benefits

Personal development budget of £4,333

Management training and mentoring

Access to university resources

World-leading project supervision

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Biology or related field, or nearing completion.
• Experience in managing hydroponic or aeroponic systems.
• Publication track record or interest in academic publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of a novel screening test for Fusarium in onion crops.
• Develop and refine molecular and physiological disease screening protocols.
• Collaborate with PG Rix to ensure commercial viability of solutions.
• Engage in Knowledge Exchange activities and present to stakeholders.

Skills

Knowledge of plant physiology and molecular biology

Excellent communication skills

Ability to lead complex projects

Experience with PCR and gene detection protocols

Experience in managing hydroponic systems

Education

PhD in Plant Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline

BSc in Biology, Botany or Plant Sciences

Tools

PCR

ddPCR

qPCR

LAMP

Job description

KTP

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a unique UK-wide activity that help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of the knowledge, technology and skills within universities, colleges and research organisations.

Further information is available at :

THE PROJECT

The University of Essex, in partnership with PG Rix, offers an exciting opportunity to a graduate with the relevant skills and knowledge to embed crop science expertise within the company to enable them develop a novel screening test for Fusarium in onion seeds and, with future applications for the expertise to other crop and disease types.

DUTIES OF THE POST

The duties of the post will include :

• Understanding the challenge of Fusarium infection in onion crops and leading on the development of a novel screening test for the disease.
• Developing molecular and physiological disease screening protocols using tools such as PCR, ddPCR, qPCR and LAMP, refining the methodologies for each.
• Working with PG Rix to ensure the solution is commercially viable (as well as scientifically rigorous).
• Contributing to embedding expert knowledge into PG Rix’s staff base.
• Paper writing and publishing research findings in flagship venues in collaboration with PG Rix and academics at the University of Essex.
• Liaising with staff of all levels on project progress and presenting to senior staff.
• Participating in academic and / or industrial conferences and other events to disseminate and present research outcomes to the wider community.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• BSc in Biology, Botany or Plant Sciences.
• PhD in Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, physiology, or related discipline, or approaching completion.

Experience / Knowledge

• Experience of managing a hydroponic or aeroponic growing system and nutrient dosing systems.
• Experience of growing onions.
• Experience of planning rigorous experiments and undertaking statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of plant physiology and molecular biology, including PCR and gene detection protocols.
• Experience conducting empirical trials in a plant science discipline.
• Publication track record (highly desirable) or a keen interest in contributing to academic publications (essential).
• Interest / previous experience in agricultural settings will be highly advantageous.

Skills / Abilities

• Ability and willingness to engage in Knowledge Exchange activities.
• Ability to interface with people with commercial interests and from varied technical backgrounds.
• Ability to design and implement biosecurity protocols.
• Ability to lead a complex project with competing deadlines and priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to research and understand the relevant academic literature.
• Ability to work as an effective member of teams and independently, as required.
• The ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-world situations.
• Problem solver - practical skills in managing experiments.

BENEFITS

As a KTP Associate, the post will offer the following benefits :

• A personal development budget of £4,333 (exclusive of salary).
• Management training and mentoring by an Innovate UK KTP Adviser.
• An interesting and challenging role, with exposure to a variety of stakeholders.
• Full access to university resources to complete the project.
• World-leading Academic and Company project supervision, with project support by a dedicated, sector leading KTP Office.

LOCATION

The role holder will be based at PG Rix offices located in Great Horkesley and a dedicated controlled growing environment and plant science laboratories at University of Essex Colchester Campus.