Research Associate: Molecular Plant-Microbe interactions

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

Job summary

A leading university in the UK seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore plant-microbe interactions. The candidate will employ advanced molecular techniques to study fungal regulation and contribute to significant research outputs. A PhD in a related field and experience with 'omics technologies are essential, along with strong collaborative skills in a diverse team environment.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with high-throughput 'omics approaches and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement experiments on plant-microbe interactions.
• Analyze complex datasets related to gene expression.
• Contribute to publications and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Experimental design

Data analysis

Education

PhD in plant molecular biology or related discipline

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Transcriptomics

Metabolomics

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Plant–Microbe Interaction

University of Sheffield

Are you a motivated and creative molecular biologist with a passion for plant–microbe interactions? Do you want to apply the latest molecular and high-throughput ’omics technologies to uncover how symbiotic fungi regulate plant physiology and nutrient exchange? We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Biosciences for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Katie Field’s research group.

This Royal Society-funded project focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin plant–fungal symbioses. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team including scientists from the University of Sheffield, the Natural History Museum (London), and Lancaster University. Using model plant systems such as Arabidopsis and Medicago, you will combine controlled laboratory experiments with advanced molecular biology techniques (mutant analysis, confocal microscopy), high-throughput ’omics approaches (e.g. transcriptomics, metabolomics) and physiology (radiotracer experiments) to study gene expression, metabolic networks, and regulatory pathways in plant-fungal symbioses.

In this role, you will design and implement experiments, analyse complex datasets, and integrate molecular and physiological insights to advance understanding of fungal regulation and function. You will also contribute to publications, presentations, and project reporting, and work collaboratively with PhD students, research technicians and project partners across institutions.

You will have a PhD (or equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in plant molecular biology, plant‑microbe interactions, microbiology or a related discipline, and hands‑on experience in molecular biology techniques, experimental design and working with model plant systems. Experience with high‑throughput ‘omics approaches and associated data analysis is essential. You will be able to work independently, manage your time effectively and communicate clearly within a multidisciplinary team. Enthusiasm, curiosity and a collaborative mindset are also essential.

At the University of Sheffield, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a competitive annual leave entitlement, flexible working opportunities, a generous pension scheme and a commitment to your professional development and wellbeing.

Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits and join us to become part of something special.

We build teams of people from diverse heritages and lifestyles whose talents and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching, and student experience.