At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore triterpenoid biosynthesis and innovate for pharmaceutical applications.
- Company: Join the John Innes Centre, a leader in plant and microbial sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse training opportunities, and support for visa applications.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with strong support for diversity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in bioscience while working with cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in plant natural product research and BSc in biochemistry or chemistry required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 36000 £ per year.
Hours per week 37 Project Title Evolutionary Genetics of Beetle-Microbe Symbiosis Months Duration 24
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
Working as part of a team led by Dr Hassan Salem,you will use comparative and population genomic approaches to reconstruct the origin, maintenance, and evolutionary consequences of symbiosis in beetles.
You will work in collaboration across the Department of Molecular Microbiology.
This role will include:
- Generating and analysing comparative and population genomic datasets across symbiotic and non-symbiotic beetle lineages.
- Performing phylogenomic reconstruction and divergence-time estimation to trace the origins of symbiotic associations.
- Applying macroevolutionary methods to test how symbiosis relates to diversification rates and ecological niche breadth.
- Analysing long-read host genome assemblies and symbiont genomes to characterise genomic signatures of symbiotic transitions.
- Applying molecular evolution approaches, such as selection analyses and ortholog identification, to identify genes and pathways shaped by symbiosis.
- Integrating genomic, ecological, and phylogenetic data to test hypotheses about symbiosis-driven diversification.
- Disseminating results through preprints, publications, conference presentations, and mentoring of students.
Key Relationships
Working as part of a team led by Dr Hassan Salem, and in collaboration across the Department of Molecular Microbiology, the John Innes Centre, and The Sainsbury Laboratory, you will use comparative and population genomic approaches to reconstruct the origin, maintenance, and evolutionary consequences of symbiosis in beetles.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Percentage Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project 50 Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media 25 Disseminate research findings through presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings 5 Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications 5 Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements 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 Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement Importance BSc or equivalent in developmental biology, entomology, molecular biology, evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), or microbiology, or a related discipline Essential PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in developmental biology, entomology, molecular biology, evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), or microbiology, or a related discipline Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance Experience with comparative and/or population genomic analyses, including variant calling and phylogenomics Essential Experience with macroevolutionary and diversification-rate analyses (e.g., BAMM, MEDUSA) is desirable. Essential Strong programming skills (R and/or Python, Unix/Bash) for large-scale genomic data analysis Essential
Requirement Importance Experience of oral research presentations Essential Proficiency in phylogenetic and phylogenomic software (e.g., IQ-TREE, RAxML, MrBayes, ASTRAL) and divergence-time estimation. Essential Proven record in scientific writing Essential Preparing data / information for grant proposals Desirable Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement Importance Excellent
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Norwich employer: The John Innes Centre
As a Group Leader in Fundamental Biology of Legumes, you will join a vibrant research community at the forefront of plant biology, located within the prestigious Norwich Research Park. Our organisation fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering exceptional opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside access to cutting-edge resources and facilities. With a commitment to impactful research and strong partnerships with industry and academia, we provide a stimulating environment where your contributions can lead to meaningful advancements in sustainable agriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of biochemistry and plant natural products. Attend conferences or seminars where you can meet potential collaborators or employers, and don’t be shy about sharing your research interests.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of triterpenoid biosynthesis and enzymology. Be ready to discuss your past research experiences and how they relate to the role. Practise common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your scientific writing skills! Bring along copies of your published papers or presentations to highlight your expertise. This will not only demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas but also your commitment to contributing to the scientific community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at the John Innes Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Researcher role. Highlight your experience in triterpenoid biosynthesis and enzymology, as well as any relevant research you've done. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since a proven record in scientific writing is essential, include examples of your published work or presentations. This will help us gauge your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, which is super important for this role.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out 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, showcasing your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at The John Innes Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of triterpenoid biosynthesis and enzymology. Familiarise yourself with the latest research in these areas, as well as any relevant techniques like enzyme modelling and structure-function analysis. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about specific methodologies and your previous research experiences. Be ready to discuss your work on plant natural products and how it relates to the role. Practising answers to common technical questions can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to prepare manuscripts and present findings, it's crucial to demonstrate your verbal and written communication skills. Consider sharing examples of past presentations or publications during the interview to highlight your ability to convey complex information clearly.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Independence
The role requires both collaboration and independent work. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked in teams, as well as instances where you've taken the initiative on your own. This balance is key to showing that you can thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.
