Postdoctoral Researcher - LED for faster and better propagation (LED4FaB Roots) Full Time/Fixed[...]

Postdoctoral Researcher – LED for faster and better propagation (LED4FaB Roots) Full Time/Fixed term until 31 October 2026

Location: Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB

Salary: £34,866 to £37,999 per annum

The point of entry will be dependent upon relevant qualifications and experience.

Post Type: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed Term – Fixed term up to 31 July 2026

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Wednesday 15 January 2025

Reference: JM-1450-2025

Harper Adams University (HAU) is seeking to recruit a plant science researcher with an interest in applied crop systems, plant physiological and molecular methods and analysis. The position holder will take a leading role in a collaborative academic and industry partnership conducting research into utilising LED lighting in controlled environments to produce high-value horticulture field crops with reduced energy inputs, increased quality, and resilience to abiotic stress.

This project is based at HAU but will involve periods of time working with commercial partners (G’s, Tozer Seeds, Enza Zaden, Nunhems, and CambridgeHOK) to deliver trials at G’s propagation facilities near Ely, Cambridgeshire (https://www.gs-fresh.com/).

The post holder will take the academic lead of plant physiology and molecular studies of plant growth and root system development in controlled environment and greenhouse facilities in response to LED light treatments (spectrum, irradiance, timing, and duration) and subsequent plant performance in the field. They will also quantify the expression of key rooting genes linked to light-responsive rooting traits under key lighting treatments to better understand the molecular basis of the trait in these crops.

A full, clean driving license is essential or the ability to visit different areas of the University and commercial partners.

If you have any queries or questions or for an informal discussion, please contact Prof Jim Monaghan via e-mail at jmonaghan@harper-adams.ac.uk.

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