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- Tasks: Join a team investigating heat and drought stress tolerance in rice crops through innovative research.
- Company: The University of Sheffield, a world-class institution with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension, and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in plant science or equivalent experience, with expertise in crop physiology and molecular biology.
- Other info: Collaborate internationally and contribute to groundbreaking research in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 42000 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
Prof Julie Gray and Dr Stuart Casson in the School of Biosciences are looking to appoint a Research Associate to join a BBSRC funded project to investigate the molecular basis of heat and drought stress tolerance in rice crops. You will work alongside a technician employed on the project and collaborate with researchers at the Universities of Penn State in USA, and Wurzburg in Germany, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines who are involved in the project. Our objective is to understand abiotic stress tolerance in traditional rice cultivars through studying genetic variations associated with growth in hot or dry environments.
Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in plant or crop science, with proven experience of crop abiotic stress analysis, plant physiology, molecular biology, transgenics, stomatal biology and water loss. You will be responsible for designing, developing and performing experiments and data analysis. You will help to supervise a technician and will coordinate your work with collaborators to progress the project. You will also disseminate the findings of this research by writing papers and presenting work at conferences and seminars.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Provide the interdisciplinary skills and intellectual input to characterize many different rice cultivars at the physiological, cellular and molecular level.
- Generate new hypotheses and design appropriate experiments to achieve the objectives of the research project.
- Interact with collaborators and other researchers on the project to ensure that the research objectives are met.
- Discuss the required experiments and work with the research team and agree on a strategy to complete the planned work.
- Keep appropriate records of all work carried out and ensure that all data is stored securely in both raw and processed forms.
- Analyse and record data to design future experiments and produce useful findings for others.
- Prepare papers for journals / presentation in-house or at national and international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
- Write supporting documents (such as protocols, reports, etc.) to support the research group and carry our administrative roles as required.
- Interact with and help supervise junior members of the research team.
- Provide support to other members of the research team in the same laboratory in a related field of research.
- Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
- Help to prepare and deliver public outreach activities.
- As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.
Criteria
- Essential: Hold a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in an area of plant molecular genetics or plant physiology.
- Essential (Application): Proven track record of successful research in crop physiology and plant molecular biology.
- Essential (Application): Proven experience of techniques for plant abiotic stress analysis.
- Essential (Application): Understanding of stomatal biology.
- Essential (Interview): Proven experience of transgenic plant analysis.
- Essential (Application): Knowledge of relevant Health & Safety systems, policies, and legislation for laboratory work including working with genetically modified organisms.
- Essential (Application): Evidence of first author publication(s) in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Essential (Application): Ability to manage an independent original research project and help to supervise the work of junior staff.
- Essential (Application): Ability to accurately undertake measurements and record keeping.
- Essential (Application): Ability to work flexibly and effectively.
- Desirable (Application): Experience of scientific outreach work.
Further Information
Grade: 7
Salary: £38,784 – £42,254 per annum
Work arrangement: Full‑time (100% FTE)
Duration: Fixed term for a period of 36 months (available immediately)
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Julie Gray, Professor of Plant Cell Signalling (PI), on j.e.gray@sheffield.ac.uk.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Research Associate (Plant Science) in Sheffield employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (Plant Science) in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Sheffield on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the work culture, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the research projects at the School of Biosciences. Familiarise ourselves with their recent publications and ongoing studies. This will help us ask insightful questions and demonstrate our enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating our research experience and how it aligns with the job description. The more we practice, the more confident we'll feel when it’s our turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email expressing our appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows that we’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (Plant Science) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description, especially around plant science and abiotic stress analysis, to show we’re on the same page.
Show Off Your Research Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your research experience! Mention any relevant projects, publications, or techniques you’ve mastered that relate to crop physiology and molecular biology. We want to see what you can bring to the table!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for plant science shines through. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our fantastic benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the project you'll be working on. Familiarise yourself with the molecular basis of heat and drought stress tolerance in rice crops. Being able to discuss the research objectives and methodologies confidently will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to plant physiology, molecular biology, and transgenic analysis. Brush up on your knowledge of stomatal biology and abiotic stress analysis techniques. Practising how to explain complex concepts clearly can help you stand out as a candidate who can communicate effectively with both peers and collaborators.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working with international collaborators, be ready to discuss your experience in teamwork and interdisciplinary projects. Share examples of how you've successfully interacted with others in research settings, highlighting your ability to coordinate and contribute to a team environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Outreach
The University values scientific outreach, so be prepared to talk about any relevant experiences you have. Whether it's presenting at conferences or engaging with the public, showing that you're keen to disseminate research findings will align well with their commitment to community engagement.
