At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to analyse genome sequences and develop bioinformatics for plant disease diagnostics.
- Company: Be part of the innovative Saunders Group at the John Innes Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and support for visa applications.
- Other info: Work in a diverse environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security by studying wheat rust pathogens.
- Qualifications: PhD in bioinformatics or related field, with strong programming skills in Python and Bash.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics to join the Saunders Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting‑edge science in plant disease diagnostics.
The Saunders group works on a variety of emerging and re‑emerging plant pathogens using a broad array of techniques that includes molecular genetics, biochemistry, plant pathology, cell biology, genomics, transcriptomics, and data mining to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms at the plant pathogen interface.
The successful candidate will work with genome sequence and RNAseq datasets to study the notorious wheat rust pathogens, which have been associated with crop failures and famine throughout history. The appointee will lead the development of all bioinformatic elements for two projects:
- Further developing and supporting the award‑winning MARPLE diagnostics system, and using this system to study wheat rust population dynamics at an international scale. The MARPLE system uses MinION sequencing to rapidly diagnose individual wheat rust strains and has been deployed across East Africa and South Asia.
- Analysing wheat rust infection RNAseq datasets, including further developing existing approaches in the lab that have proved extremely fruitful in using these datasets to identify new sources of wheat rust resistance. This will provide the candidate the opportunity to contribute directly to strengthening wheat resilience to rust infection.
This post provides an exciting opportunity for the candidate to work in a multidisciplinary research group in the Crop Genetics department at the JIC, whilst also working with partners across East Africa, South Asia and at the international maize and wheat improvement center, CIMMYT.
The ideal candidate will have excellent programming skills in Python, Bash and experience with software testing. You will have demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem-solving skills. A PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) in computer science, bioinformatics or a related field is also essential.
For further information and details of how to apply can be found here or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006134. 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.
Salary £37,500 - £42,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
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 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.
Postdoctoral Researcher – Bioinformatics (Saunders Group) employer: John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre offers an exceptional work environment for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics, fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity while engaging in groundbreaking research on plant disease diagnostics. With access to cutting-edge technology and international collaborations, employees benefit from a stimulating atmosphere that promotes professional growth and a family-friendly workplace. The Centre's commitment to gender equality and support for disabled applicants further enhances its reputation as an excellent employer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher – Bioinformatics (Saunders Group)
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like John Innes Centre. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like John Innes Centre!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher – Bioinformatics (Saunders Group)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show John Innes Centre that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at John Innes Centre.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that John Innes Centre does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Innes Centre
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at John Innes Centre. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into John Innes Centre's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at John Innes Centre. This shows your passion for the industry!
