Postdoctoral Researcher in Norwich

Main Purpose of the Job

The Postdoctoral Researcher will undertake research to identify how stress signals move through tissues to execute multicellular responses. For this, the Postdoctoral Researcher will use proteomic, transcriptomic, cell biology and genetic analysis to both characterise the dynamics of different stress responses. They will work independently to produce data and critically analyse this data, and by keeping up to date with current developments in the field, contribute insights and ideas that help develop the project. This research is part of a large-scale, multidisciplinary programme and therefore the Postdoctoral Researcher will be an active and collaborative member of a larger team.

Key Relationships

The PDRA will be an active member of the Faulkner group and interact with all members of that team. The PDRA will also interact with researchers across JIC and TSL as a member of the Cell and Developmental Biology Department and of the Advancing Plant Health Institute Strategic Programme, and with the relevant support teams such as Horticulture, Bioimaging, Proteomics and Metabolomics. The PDRA will also have responsibility for liaising with external collaborators to expand the research programme.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project (80%)
• Disseminate research findings through publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media, and in presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings (5%)
• Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute and externally in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications (5%)
• Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence (5%)
• As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees (5%)

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

• PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) in Biological Sciences (Essential)
• BSc or equivalent in Biological Sciences (Essential)

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Evidence of laboratory skills in metabolomics and/or proteomics (Essential)
• Skills and experience in live cell imaging (Essential)
• Experience in data analysis and statistics (Essential)
• Gene expression analysis and RNA sequencing (Essential)
• Evidence of experience in plant molecular biology (Essential)

Relevant Experience

• Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas (Essential)
• Proven record in scientific writing (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experiments creatively (Essential)
• Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students (Desirable)
• Preparing data/information for grant proposals (Desirable)

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity (Essential)
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills (Essential)
• Excellent time management and organisational skills (Essential)
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (Essential)
• Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures (Essential)
• Promotes and strives for continuous improvement (Essential)

Additional Requirements

• Attention to detail (Essential)
• Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute (Essential)
• Promotes equality and values diversity (Essential)
• Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work (Essential)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate (Essential)
• Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required (Essential)
• Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars (Essential)

Who We Are

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society. Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity, limited by guarantee.

Department: Cell & Developmental Biology

Development continues throughout the life of the plant. While many linear pathways affecting development have been discovered and are illustrated by elegant genetic studies, the challenge of the future will be for us to understand how these developmental pathways are integrated, both with themselves as well as with environmental signals, to enable a mature plant to grow from a seed. Guided by evolutionary principles, the Department uses its knowledge of biological processes obtained in laboratory organisms such as Arabidopsis to understand processes in crop plants such as Brassicas and cereals.

Group Details: The Faulkner laboratory focuses on the role of intercellular communication in plant immune and stress responses. Cell-to-cell communication is a fundamental biological process, necessary for coordination of development and environmental responses in multicellular organisms. The group studies different mechanisms of signal transmission and response, in immune and stress contexts, to determine how cellular processes integrate to produce multicellular and whole organism responses.