Postdoctoral Researcher

John Innes Centre; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Carella Group, focusing on Evo-MPMI. The candidate must have a PhD in Molecular Microbiology, Plant Biology, or Biochemistry and knowledge of microbial virulence strategies. The position offers an opportunity to work with cutting-edge research in identifying virulence processes in Pseudomonas and developing expertise in evolutionary plant-microbe interactions. The role includes full-time, temporary employment with a deadline for applications by 10 Feb 2026.

Benefits

Opportunity to work with leading scientists

Family-friendly workplace

Support for visa applications

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of microbial virulence strategies is essential.
• Demonstrable experience in molecular biology or microbiology required.
• General understanding of evolutionary plant-pathogen interactions necessary.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments identifying virulence processes in Pseudomonas phytopathogens.
• Dissect virulence mechanisms using evolutionary and molecular approaches.
• Utilize a range of techniques including genetics, biochemistry, and computational methods.

Skills

Knowledge of microbial virulence strategies

Molecular biology/microbiology experience

Understanding of evolutionary plant-pathogen interactions

Plant and microbial techniques (genetics, biochemistry)

Education

PhD in Molecular Microbiology, Plant Biology, or Biochemistry

Job description

Organisation/Company John Innes Centre Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 10 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Carella Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting‑edge science in the field of Evo-MPMI (Evolutionary Molecular Plant‑Microbe Interactions).

About the John Innes Centre:

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.

We are a curious, enthusiastic, and innovative research group exploring the diversity of pathogen infection and plant immune processes underpinning host‑microbe interactions across the green lineage. Using comparative macroevolutionary and molecular genetic approaches, our group explores widely‑distributed and lineage‑specific aspects of immunity & infection that will inform future efforts to protect plants from harmful pathogens.

The role:

Working as part of a team led by Phil Carella, you will perform key experiments aimed at identifying and understanding virulence processes enabling broad host infection ofPseudomonas phytopathogens indivergent land plants like the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. The role will provide you with a broad range of stimulating activities, including:

• Evolutionary and molecular dissection of virulence mechanisms (effectors and toxins)
• Molecular microbiology approaches to genetically manipulate virulence and other key Pseudomonas traits
• Experience with a wide range of plant and microbial techniques including genetics, biochemistry, and computational approaches.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in the emerging field of Evo-MPMI (evolutionary molecular plant‑microbe interactions). You will also work with world leading scientists who are experts in their field.

The ideal candidate:

You will have aPhDinMolecular Microbiology, Plant Biology and/or Biochemistry. You will have in-depth knowledge of microbial virulence strategies, a general understanding of evolutionary plant‑pathogen interactions, and demonstrable experience in molecular biology/microbiology.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant‑aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.