At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to explore plant hormone auxin and its role in plant development.
- Company: Sainsbury Laboratory at Cambridge University, known for its collaborative research environment.
- Benefits: Family-friendly benefits, professional development, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic research setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on plant biology while working with an international research consortium.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields and a passion for molecular biology.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
Applications are invited for the Research Assistant position in the group of Dr Alexander Jones at the Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University. The plant hormone auxin is a molecular signal that weaves cells, tissues and organs into patterns of plant development. This post takes the critical step of discovering missing regulators upstream of environmentally responsive auxin dynamics. The role is part of the ERC-funded STARMORPH project, joining an international consortium to unravel SpatioTemporal Auxin Redistribution for Morphogenesis. The four STARMorph teams focus on the Arabidopsis apical hook as a tractable model of dynamic morphogenesis. If successful, this role will illuminate the threads of auxin dynamics guiding plant shape changes. For more information, please see a recent talk by Dr Jones on YouTube (from 1hr30min to 2hrs) and consult the Jones group website at slcu.cam.ac.uk/research/jones-group.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to genetic screens designed to precisely redistribute auxin in space and time.
- Work on methods to study auxin dynamics and plant development, with emphasis on Arabidopsis thaliana.
- Collaborate within an international consortium of the STARMORPH teams and integrate results with ongoing projects.
Qualifications
- Applicants must have or be close to obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Systems Biology, Genetics, or a related field.
- Solid foundation in molecular biology and gene cloning; willingness and ability to learn new methodologies.
- Experience or advanced knowledge in techniques such as Golden-gate, forward genetic screens, reverse genetics, genotyping, Q-PCR, RNAseq, confocal imaging and image analysis, and Arabidopsis thaliana transformation and husbandry is preferred.
- Proficiency in auxin biology and plant developmental biology is valuable.
Skills and attributes
- Excellent team player, highly solution-oriented and self-motivated.
- High accuracy and outstanding record keeping; ability to work independently and with others in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team; strong communication skills.
- Experience with science communication (presentations, outreach, teaching) is desirable.
Benefits and environment
The Laboratory provides a welcoming and collaborative environment with a wide range of family-friendly benefits and development opportunities. More about the Sainsbury Laboratory and University offers to employees can be found at slcu.cam.ac.uk.
Application process
Please upload a copy of your full CV and a cover letter highlighting your suitability, along with contact information for three referees. Scientific enquiries should be directed to Dr Jones at alexander.jones@slcu.cam.ac.uk.
Click the Apply button to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. For questions regarding the application process, please email HR@slcu.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference PT47313 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Apply online
Research Assistant - Auxin Biology (Fixed Term) in Cambridge employer: Cambridge Service Alliance
The Sainsbury Laboratory at Cambridge University is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation in plant biology research. With a strong emphasis on employee development and family-friendly benefits, this role as a Research Assistant provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects while working alongside an international consortium of experts. The laboratory's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion makes it an attractive place for individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the scientific community.
Contact Details:
Cambridge Service Alliance Recruitment Team
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