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- Tasks: Develop predictive computational models in epigenetics and collaborate with top researchers.
- Company: Join the renowned John Innes Centre, a leader in plant and microbial sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time contract, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge biological research while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: PhD in Theoretical Physics, Bio-Mathematics, or Computational Biology preferred.
- Other info: Exciting interdisciplinary environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 ÂŁ per year.
Organisation/Company John Innes Centre Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 10 Feb 2026 – 23:59 (Europe/London) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Carella Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting‑edge science in the field of Evo-MPMI (Evolutionary Molecular Plant‑Microbe Interactions).
About the John Innes Centre:
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity‑led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet , sets out our ambitious long‑term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally.
We are a curious, enthusiastic, and innovative research group exploring the diversity of pathogen infection and plant immune processes underpinning host‑microbe interactions across the green lineage. Using comparative macroevolutionary and molecular genetic approaches, our group explores widely‑distributed and lineage‑specific aspects of immunity & infection that will inform future efforts to protect plants from harmful pathogens.
The role:
Working as part of a team led by Phil Carella, you will perform key experiments aimed at identifying and understanding virulence processes enabling broad host infection ofPseudomonas phytopathogens indivergent land plants like the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. The role will provide you with a broad range of stimulating activities, including:
- Evolutionary and molecular dissection of virulence mechanisms (effectors and toxins)
- Molecular microbiology approaches to genetically manipulate virulence and other key Pseudomonas traits
- Experience with a wide range of plant and microbial techniques including genetics, biochemistry, and computational approaches.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in the emerging field of Evo-MPMI (evolutionary molecular plant‑microbe interactions). You will also work with world leading scientists who are experts in their field.
The ideal candidate:
You will have aPhDinMolecular Microbiology, Plant Biology and/or Biochemistry. You will have in-depth knowledge of microbial virulence strategies, a general understanding of evolutionary plant‑pathogen interactions, and demonstrable experience in molecular biology/microbiology.
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant‑aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
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Postdoctoral Researcher employer: Euraxess
Contact Detail:
Euraxess Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former researchers at the John Innes Centre on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the Howard Group's recent publications. Knowing their work inside out will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in computational modelling can contribute to their research. Keep it concise and impactful.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Researcher role. Highlight your relevant experience in computational biology and any interdisciplinary work you've done, as this is key for us at the John Innes Centre.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for biological sciences shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the research areas mentioned, especially in epigenetics and computational modelling. Share any projects or experiences that fuelled your passion.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your skills and achievements.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Euraxess
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in Computational and Systems Biology, especially related to epigenetic dynamics. Familiarise yourself with the Howard Group's recent publications and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their research focus.
✨Show Your Independence
The role requires a high degree of independence, so be prepared to share examples from your past where you took initiative in your research. Highlight any projects where you developed models or conducted experiments independently, showcasing your ability to drive research forward.
✨Interdisciplinary Approach
Emphasise your experience in interdisciplinary work. Discuss how you’ve collaborated with different fields, such as physics or mathematics, to solve biological problems. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in the collaborative environment at the John Innes Centre.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some insightful questions ready about the group’s current projects or future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
