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- Tasks: Investigate genetic control of cold tolerance in bread wheat through innovative experiments.
- Company: Join the John Innes Centre, a leader in plant and microbial sciences.
- Benefits: Full-time role with visa support, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security through cutting-edge crop genetics research.
- Qualifications: PhD in Genetics or related field with expertise in molecular biology and genetics.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 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: John Innes Centre
Contact Detail:
John Innes Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream postdoc position.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your research experiences and how they relate to their work at the John Innes Centre. We want to see your passion for crop genetics shine through!
✨Follow Up
After any interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows you’re keen and professional. Plus, it keeps you on their radar, which is always a good thing when they’re making decisions.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table in the world of plant and microbial sciences!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Postdoctoral Researcher role. Highlight your relevant experience in genetics, genomics, and molecular biology. We want to see how your skills align with the exciting work at the Borrill Group!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about crop genetics and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this position. Let us know what excites you about working with the Borrill Group.
Showcase Your Research Experience: Don’t forget to detail your research experience, especially any projects related to cold tolerance or polyploid wheat. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges in your previous work and what you can bring to our team!
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 into the right hands. Plus, we’re excited to see what you can bring to the John Innes Centre!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Innes Centre
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in crop genetics and molecular biology. Familiarise yourself with the Borrill Group's work, especially their focus on cold tolerance in wheat. Being able to discuss specific studies or findings will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the group's current projects, future directions, and how they approach collaboration. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, particularly any relevant techniques in molecular biology and genetics. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully designed experiments or worked with gene editing, as this aligns closely with the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves collaboration, be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively worked in teams. Discuss how you communicate complex scientific ideas to different audiences, as good communication skills are essential for success in this position.
