Research Associate/Fellow (WATER-BLIND) (Fixed term)

University of Nottingham; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nottingham invites applications for a Research Associate/Fellow position on the ERC funded project 'WATER-BLIND'. This role focuses on the molecular mechanisms of water stress in plant roots, particularly in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The successful candidate will undertake innovative research, contributing valuable insights into ionic signalling and root development, and must possess a strong academic background with a PhD in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• PhD students about to submit their thesis in a relevant area will be considered.
• Experience in root biology and techniques involving protein-protein interactions is desirable.
• A track record of publishing research is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research on how roots sense water stress.
• Identify novel genes and pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana.
• Investigate ion fluxes and mechanosensing pathways in root adaptation.

Skills

Ionic signalling

Molecular biology

Root biology

Cell biology

Transcriptomics

Single-cell sequencing

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related area

Job description

Closing Date
Friday 04 July 2025

Reference
SCI166825

Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Fellow position to work on an ERC funded project 'WATER-BLIND' which seeks to uncover how roots sense water stress.

Building on our recent discoveries (Mehra et al., Science , 2022), this project aims to identify novel genes and regulatory pathways involved in sensing water availability in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana . We are particularly interested in understanding the roles of ion fluxes and mechanosensing pathways in root adaptation to transient water stress.

This position is ideally suited to candidates with a strong interest in ionic signalling (e.g. calcium fluxes/signalling), root development, and molecular cell biology.

Applicants must be highly motivated and self-driven, with a PhD in molecular biology or a related area of biological science. (PhD students about to submit their thesis in a relevant area of root cell biology will be considered). The successful candidate should ideally have experience in the following areas: Root biology, cell/developmental biology and molecular biology such as techniques involving protein-protein interactions, transcriptomics, or single-cell sequencing. A track record of publishing research is also desirable.

This full-time post (36.25 hours) is available immediately and will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 3.0 years. Job share arrangements may be considered. Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

For more information on our lab activities, please visit: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/people/p.mehra

For informal inquiries, please contact Poonam Mehra at [e-mail]

Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

The University of Nottingham is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.