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- Tasks: Conduct bioinformatics research and support wet-lab duties to accelerate tree species maturation.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a groundbreaking project that impacts environmental sustainability and biodiversity.
- Qualifications: PhD in Bioinformatics or related field, with a passion for research.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse teams and excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 36636 £ per year.
Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,636.
Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to March 2028.
Background: The Plackett and Kettles labs at the University of Birmingham are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with expertise in bioinformatics to undertake a 2-year project ‘Speed breeding technologies for UK broadleaved trees’ as part of the Defra-funded Centre for Forest Protection (CFP). This project is a UK-wide collaboration with Dr Abigail Johnson (Niab East Malling Research) and Prof Richard Buggs (Kew Royal Botanic Gardens). With this project we aim to identify whether it is possible to accelerate the maturation and flowering of three tree species (Oak, Ash and Silver Birch) through applying ‘speed breeding’ conditions as a tool to enable future breeding programmes in these species to improve resistance to disease and environmental stress.
Main Duties:
- Undertake experimental work under the supervision of Dr Andrew Plackett and Dr Graeme Kettles to collect research data. This will be primarily bioinformatic (dry lab) in nature but will also include supporting wet-lab duties such as RNA extraction.
- Manage their time to achieve key project milestones in data preparation, analysis and interpretation by specified dates to meet funder requirements.
- Analyse and interpret data.
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required. This will include contributing to the design of follow-on experiments to meet the research goals of the project, in collaboration with the wider project team.
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding based on the experimental data gathered.
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
- Undertake management/administration arising from research.
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
- Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader.
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
- Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification:
Qualifications: A Bachelors or Masters degree in a relevant STEM discipline (e.g. Biological sciences, Data Science). A PhD (or near completion) in Bioinformatics, Plant Genomics or other related field appropriate to the goals of this project.
Informal enquiries can be made to Andy Plackett, email: A.R.G.Plackett@bham.ac.uk.
Valuing excellence, sustaining investment: We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.
Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the bioinformatics field, especially those who might know about the project at the University of Birmingham. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the project details. Familiarise yourself with speed breeding technologies and how they relate to the tree species mentioned. Showing genuine interest and knowledge can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in research, so don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Fellow. Highlight your bioinformatics expertise and any relevant experience with speed breeding or plant genomics. We want to see how your skills align with our project goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for research and how your background can contribute to the success of our project. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Research Experience: In your application, be sure to detail your previous research projects, especially those involving data analysis and interpretation. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges and contributed to your field!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials in the right format. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your bioinformatics knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and tools you've used in past projects, especially those related to plant genomics. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous research projects, particularly any that involved data analysis or experimental design. Highlight how you managed your time to meet deadlines and how you contributed to publications or presentations. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask Dr Plackett and Dr Kettles about their labs and the project. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if the lab environment is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since this role involves working with a wider project team, be sure to highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past research settings, and how you’ve supported students or peers. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a collaborative research environment.
