Senior Postdoctoral Researcher

Funding End Date: 30 Sep 2035

Hours per week: 37

Months Duration: 60

Main Purpose of the Job:

Conduct an internationally competitive research project to establish plant AI methods that are applicable to a range of plant processes. This will involve developing RNA and DNA foundation models and the investigation of functional elements in RNA sequence, sequence/structure motifs. The first focus will be on the dissection of co‑transcriptional and post‑transcriptional regulation where RNA structure plays a significant role. The post‑holder will be monitoring a fast‑moving international field and keeping the Ding group and JIC on the front edge of this technology. They will maintain a very close interaction with experimentalists/researchers in the Ding lab ensuring that the predictions can be validated experimentally. The Senior Postdoctoral Researcher will deputise for the Group Leader when needed. They will also contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, budget management, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence.

Key Relationships:

Yiliang Ding is the PI of the group, but this encompasses three sub‑groups with different scientific goals. The post‑holder will report to Yiliang Ding but themselves be responsible for daily supervision of 1–3 PhD students who are in the Ding AI team. They will also provide daily support and supervision to other members of the group, this could include PhD students, postdocs and short‑term visiting workers. They will also interact with the 9 experimentalists in the Ding lab, through weekly group meetings and daily discussions, plus with Dr Govind Menon (in the Dean group) on the computational modelling of the system. They will need to interface with other JIC/TSL research groups who want to adopt this AI technology, and staff of the computational platforms of the Norwich Research Park eg Earlham Institute and Data Centre. The post‑holder will travel to international meetings to maintain and initiate research collaborations.

Main Activities & Responsibilities:

• Run an independent sub‑group developing AI technology, to involve development of plant biology RNA/DNA foundation models.
• Daily supervision of between 1–3 computational PhD students who will be identifying next steps, troubleshooting, writing reports and giving regular group meetings and departmental seminars.
• Continually liaise with other sub‑leaders and with PI Yiliang Ding (60%)
• Represent Y Ding at international meetings and liaise with collaborators in labs around the world (10%)
• Interact efficiently with Dean Lab/Govind Menon (10%)
• Interact with experimentalists to ensure seamless integration of AI predictions and correct experimental validation – and rapid publication (10%)
• Prepare fellowship and grant applications to support the work (5%)
• Be fully up to speed with all relevant literature (5%)
• Be the first port of call for day‑to‑day computational issues (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) or equivalent in computational biology and bioinformatics (Essential)
• Specialist Knowledge & Skills: AI and RNA biology research expertise (Essential)
• Experience in RNA structure and AI RNA background (Essential)
• Experience of oral research presentations (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas in the areas of AI and RNA biology (Essential)
• Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students (Essential)
• Proven record in scientific writing (Essential)
• Substantial experience of conducting effective research at postdoctoral level (Essential)
• Recent experience of managing a laboratory when the PI is away (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:

• 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)
• Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute (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)
• Attention to detail (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 pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world.

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 (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department: Cell & Developmental Biology

Position Salary: £45,450 - £56,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience

Contract: 60 months, full‑time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK

Closing date: 8th April 2026

Reference: 1006073