Research Scientist – Plant Pathology

LLOYD'S REGISTER INTERNATIONAL; Dundee; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The James Hutton Institute in Dundee seeks a motivated researcher with a PhD in Plant Pathology to join our group working on potato late blight epidemiology, disease control and IPM. The role focuses on Phytophthora infestans and may extend to other pathogens, with on-site attendance at Invergowrie Campus.

You will lead and contribute to a long-standing programme, emphasising computational biology to manage DNA sequence data and genomic analyses, with opportunities to develop funding proposals.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology with evidence of crop pathogen research.
• Experience using molecular tools and DNA sequence analysis.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, design and conduct independent and collaborative research.
• Perform laboratory experimental work including experimental design.
• Analyze molecular marker and DNA sequence datasets using bioinformatics tools.
• Prepare publications and present findings at conferences and to stakeholders.
• Identify funding opportunities, write grants and prepare reports.
• Ensure biosafety, ethical and laboratory regulatory compliance.

Skills

Written communication

DNA sequence analysis

Lab data analysis

Independent work

Team collaboration

Verbal communication

Time management

Unsupervised work

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology

Job description

Value our people

Make a difference

We foster creativity

Starting Salary£44,434.00

LocationDundee

This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in a month at 23:59 BST.

The Vacancy

Main Purpose of Job

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a PhD and expertise in plant pathology to join our group working on epidemiology, disease control and IPM. The focus of the role will primarily be to work on potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans but is anticipated to extend to other fungal crop pathogens as required. This post will be based in the department of Cell & Molecular Sciences located at the Invergowrie Campus and will require in-person attendance on site.

The postholder will initially contribute to, and in the longer-term lead, our longstanding and internationally recognised programme of potato late blight research which delivers impact to industry stakeholders and growers. In addition to our ongoing programme of research in epidemiology, disease control and IPM we are particularly interested in candidates with computational experience, for example to support new genomic approaches around the prediction of evolving fungicide active ingredient and durable host resistance gene targets. This will require familiarity and practical application of skills in computational biology to manage, analyse and interpret large volumes of DNA sequence data. This role therefore ideally brings together a well-established understanding of plant pathology, the ability to organise, analyse, display and exploit genome sequences to reach these goals and an enthusiasm for knowledge exchange and the delivery of practical impact. This post would have potential to accelerate progress in other pathosystems and fill a major gap in the UK science base. The postholder will be responsible for designing and conducting independent and collaborative research and applying for research funding.

Main Duties of Postholder

• Conceive, design and conduct independent and collaborative research
• Perform laboratory experimental work including experimental design
• Analyse molecular marker and DNA sequence datasets using bioinformatics tools
• Preparation of publications and presentation of findings at scientific conferences and to industry stakeholders
• Identify funding opportunities, deliver grant writing and project reports
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, ethical, and laboratory regulations

Person Specification

Essential

• PhD in Plant Pathology
• Evidence of both practical and theoretical applications of science in support of crop production and the study of evolutionary and/or population biology of plant pathogens
• Interest and experience in the use of molecular tools and DNA sequence analysis in plant pathology
• Effective written communication, maintaining records and data presentation
• Evidence of working effectively with a team
• Self-motivation and effective time management
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

Desirable

• Experience in late blight research/potato pathology
• Established collaborator network and measures of esteem
• Knowledge of high-throughput sequencing technologies, applications and data analysis
• Skills in coding such as Python and R and familiarity with a command line Linux environment
• Knowledge and experience in tools for population genetics, genomics and evolutionary analysis
• Experience in experimental design and statistical analysis
• Familiarity with FAIR data principles and metadata standards
• Success with funding applications and experience of people and project management
• Current full driving licence

Other Skills

• The ability to work unsupervised
• The ability to follow protocols and Standard Operating Procedures

Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity

We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.

The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.

The James Hutton Institute is Happy To Talk Flexible Working.

The Company

The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.

James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution.