At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop heat-resistant rice and enhance food security.
- Company: University of Nottingham, a supportive and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Full-time fixed-term role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security through innovative research.
- Qualifications: Experience in plant growth, physiology, and molecular biology techniques.
The predicted salary is between 29740 - 36446 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a fixed term full-time Research Technician position to work on developing stress resilience in rice. The role involves two linked projects, one which seeks to develop Temperature Resistant (TempR) Rice by exploiting novel germplasm to deliver improved heat tolerance and future-proofed rice yields and the other “Validation of root diameter as a key root trait for stress resilience”. The project is based in the laboratories of Prof Zoe Wilson and Erik Murchie (Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, UK).
Rice reproduction, especially pollen development and photosynthesis, are extremely sensitive to heat stress, resulting in major impacts to seed set, posing a significant threat to future yield and food security. It is not known whether the failure of reproduction is because pollen development is particularly sensitive to heat, or a secondary consequence of disruption of energy generation by impaired photosynthesis, or a combination of both. This project aims to address this fundamental question, alongside developing rice germplasm and markers to enable rapid trait deployment in breeding programmes for heat stress resilience in an agricultural field environment.
The work involves a partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, which will enable testing of rice germplasm under in-field conditions of heat stress, and utilisation of their rice populations that have been established for heat resistance and trait identification and deployment. It will also involve detailed analysis of several candidate genes that we have already identified along with their resultant phenotype.
Applicants must be highly motivated and meticulous, with experience in growing plants, analysing plant physiology, and molecular biology techniques. Experience in working with rice, plant reproduction, photosynthesis and advanced physiological techniques is desirable.
This is a full-time, fixed-term post (36.25 hours) and is available immediately on a fixed term contract until 12th October 2028.
For more information on our lab activities please contact zoe.wilson@nottingham.ac.uk or Erik.Murchie@nottingham.ac.uk.
Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.
To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details. Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.
Senior Research Technician - Rice Research (Fixed-term) in Sutton Bonington employer: Nottingham
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Technician - Rice Research (Fixed-term) in Sutton Bonington
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Nottingham, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Nottingham. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Technician - Rice Research (Fixed-term) in Sutton Bonington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Nottingham. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Nottingham. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Nottingham. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Nottingham to drive research projects forward.
