Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-Term) – Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-Term)

RFCSR; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nottingham is recruiting a Research Associate/Fellow on a fixed-term contract to join a UKRI-funded project at Sutton Bonington Campus, exploring root–soil interactions and the molecular biology underpinning them.

You will design and perform high-quality experiments, analyse data, and contribute to publications while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of plant scientists to advance the field.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in molecular biology, plant biology, or closely related discipline.
• Experience in root biology, cell/developmental biology, or comparable research areas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high‑quality experiments to advance the project.
• Analyze data and interpret results; contribute to publications and presentations.

Skills

Spatial transcriptomics

Protein–DNA assays

Confocal imaging

Publications & communication

Education

PhD in molecular biology

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Job description

Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-Term) - Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-Term)

University of Nottingham
Nottingham, United Kingdom

The University of Nottingham is recruiting an ambitious Research Associate/Fellow on a fixed-term contract to join a cutting-edge UKRI-funded research project exploring root–soil interactions and the molecular biology underpinning them. This role is based at the Sutton Bonington Campus, a vibrant research hub with strong interdisciplinary links, and forms part of the GROUNDBREAKING initiative — a programme dedicated to uncovering how plant roots sense and penetrate hard soils by identifying key genes and regulatory pathways involved in this process. You will become part of a collaborative research environment that supports scientific excellence, innovation, and dissemination of results to academic and broader research audiences.

The successful candidate will contribute to original research designed to deepen understanding of plant biomechanics and molecular signalling in challenging soil conditions. You will be expected to conduct high‑quality experiments, analyse data, interpret results, and contribute to publications and presentations that advance the field. The role offers the opportunity to work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, enhancing both your technical expertise and your professional network within plant science and agricultural research.

Eligibility Criteria

• A PhD (or near completion) in molecular biology, plant biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrable interest and experience in root biology, cell/developmental biology or comparable areas of research.

Require expertise, skills

• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as spatial transcriptomics, protein–DNA interaction assays, or related methods.
• Proficiency in cellular and confocal imaging or equivalent microscopy approaches.
• Strong analytical skills and a track record of producing research outputs (e.g., publications).
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities to collaborate within a diverse scientific group.

Salary details

The salary range for this type of fixed-term research role typically falls between approximately £31,387 and £46,485 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Application Deadline

Applications for this position are expected to close on 6 March 2026.