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- Tasks: Join a team to engineer disease-resistant lettuce through gene editing and molecular techniques.
- Company: Renowned Biology department at the University of York, committed to research and teaching excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable agriculture while collaborating with top researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD in biological science and experience in molecular plant science techniques required.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract for up to 14 months with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 31745 - 38404 £ per year.
You will be a member of the Department of Biology, which is one of the UK's leading Biology departments, and renowned internationally for our research. This is combined with a commitment to teaching and outstanding student satisfaction, and we have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive culture across all staff groups and levels. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education.
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a project engineering gene regulatory network to design disease resistant crops. The project is a collaboration between Katherine Denby’s group at the University of York, Nicola Patron at the University of Cambridge and Richard Morris at the John Innes Centre. We have modelled and validated a gene regulatory network underlying the lettuce transcriptional defence response to fungal pathogens, which has identified several regulators of the defence response (both positive and negative) and their downstream target genes. We have refined the gene regulatory network and through computational modelling predicted how to re-wire the network to maximise plant resistance to infection. We are now implementing the re-wiring using gene editing and synthetic genetic controllers, testing in protoplasts and transgenic lettuce.
This new PDRA will focus on improving the efficiency of lettuce transformation and gene editing for the generation of stably transformed plants. The postdoctoral researcher will test multiple gene editing constructs to enhance the rate of editing in lettuce and work to optimise the efficiency of lettuce transformation and regeneration. The PDRA will work closely with other researchers in the Denby, Patron and Morris groups, lead on drafting manuscripts for publication, and assist in training other staff and undergraduates/postgraduates. This is a fixed-term contract for up to 14 months.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications Needed:
- PhD in a relevant biological science, or equivalent.
- Track record of research success.
- Good communication skills, ability to write up research work for publication.
- Experience with a range of molecular plant science techniques.
- Reliable and self-motivated; good interpersonal skills; able to work as part of a team.
Interview date: to be confirmed. For informal enquiries: please contact Katherine Denby on katherine.denby@york.ac.uk. The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff.
£37,694 to £46,049 per annum.
Research Associate in Lettuce Gene Editing employer: Economicsnetwork
Contact Detail:
Economicsnetwork Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Lettuce Gene Editing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Department of Biology. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the research projects at York. Familiarise yourself with their work on gene editing and plant science techniques. Showing genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since good communication is key for this role, try explaining your past research to friends or family. If they understand it, you’re on the right track!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Lettuce Gene Editing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Associate in Lettuce Gene Editing. Highlight your PhD and any relevant research experience, especially in molecular plant science techniques. We want to see how your skills align with our project goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about gene editing and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention any collaborative projects you've been part of, as teamwork is key in our research environment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be drafting manuscripts and training others, it's important to demonstrate your communication skills. Include examples of your writing or presentations in your application to show us you can convey complex ideas clearly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find more info about our department and culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in gene editing and plant science. Familiarise yourself with the specific projects of Katherine Denby, Nicola Patron, and Richard Morris. Being able to discuss their work and how it relates to your own experience will show that you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with molecular plant science techniques. Be ready to provide examples of past research successes and how they relate to improving lettuce transformation and gene editing. Highlight any relevant publications or presentations to demonstrate your communication skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role involves collaboration with various researchers, so be prepared to talk about your experience working in teams. Share specific examples of how you’ve contributed to group projects and how you handle interpersonal dynamics. This will help convey that you’re a reliable and self-motivated team player.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the department’s culture. Inquire about the support available for new researchers and how the team fosters a collaborative environment. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the workplace aligns with your values.
