Main Purpose of the Job

Polyploid genomes contain multiple gene copies, known as homoeologs, which have been proposed to confer adaptive advantages for example through tissue specific expression. However, we lack fundamental knowledge about how homoeologs are regulated which will be needed to leverage the flexibility of polyploid genomes to increase food production and adapt our crops to cope with climate change. This project will explore the genetic and epigenetic factors that influence the inheritance of homoeolog expression patterns in wheat. This will provide a first step towards being able to manipulate homoeolog expression patterns for crop improvement.

The successful candidate will design, execute and analyse genomics experiments, although there is scope for molecular biology work. The candidate will be expected to have expertise in experimental design and statistical analysis; analyse large datasets of next generation sequencing data; develop reproducible pipelines for genomic analyses; prepare the results for and contribute to high quality academic publications; present at national and international academic conferences, and participate in public engagement activities. Furthermore, the candidate will be expected to play a central role in working with other research group members.

Key Relationships

Internal: The post holder will be line managed by the group leader, Philippa Borrill. The post holder will maintain good relationships with all group members including postdocs, students, research assistants and visitors. They will also interact with other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute.

External: Academic and industrial collaborators.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Design, carry out and analyse experiments to meet the objectives of the project

70

Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media

5

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Plant Biology, Crop Science, or related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent understanding of genetics and genomics

Essential

Excellent understanding of biology

Essential

Demonstrated expertise in genomics

Essential

Knowledge and experience of plant or polyploid species genomics

Desirable

Knowledge and experience in epigenetics

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas

Essential

Experience working with plants or polyploid organisms or data from these species

Essential

Experience working with next generation sequencing data

Essential

Experience of carrying out data analysis and developing analysis pipelines in programming languages including R

Essential

Experience in experimental design and statistical analysis

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Experience handling large datasets

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Experience of version control (e.g. Git) and examples of previous work (e.g. through GitHub repository)

Desirable

Experience in molecular biology

Desirable

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

Desirable

Preparing data / information for grant proposals

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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 and develop instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Attention to detail

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

John Innes Centre

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.

For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.

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. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

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 Tecnician 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

Crop Genetics

The Department of Crop Genetics undertakes fundamental research on the biology of cereals, brassicas and legumes to understand the genetic and molecular basis of phenotypic variation. A major goal is to develop the technologies and knowledge base to provide a predictive framework that will underpin conventional and novel plant breeding strategies. This will enable high-yielding, stress and disease resistant varieties, with a particular end-use quality, suitable for an efficient but benign agriculture.

Group Details

The Borrill group aims to understand gene function in wheat to accelerate crop improvement. This goal is complicated by the polyploid nature of the wheat genome, therefore the group seeks to understand the effects of polyploidy on gene expression and phenotype in wheat.

Living in Norfolk

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Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary:            £32,578 - £39,938 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        2 years full time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 22 May 2022 
Reference:     1004258

The Borrill group seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate how gene expression is controlled and inherited in polyploid wheat.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits.

Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

About the Borrill Group:

The Borrill group aims to understand gene function in wheat to accelerate crop improvement. This goal is complicated by the polyploid nature of the wheat genome, therefore the group seeks to understand the effects of polyploidy on gene expression and phenotype in wheat.

The role:

This project will explore the genetic and epigenetic factors that influence the inheritance of homoeolog expression patterns in wheat. This will provide a first step towards being able to manipulate homoeolog expression patterns for crop improvement.

The post holder will design, execute and analyse genomic experiments, although there is scope for molecular biology work.   

The candidate will be expected to have expertise in experimental design and statistical analysis; analyse large datasets of next generation sequencing data; develop reproducible pipelines for genomic analyses; prepare the results for and contribute to high quality academic publications; present at national and international academic conferences, and participate in public engagement activities. Furthermore, the candidate will be expected to play a central role in working with other research group members.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should have a PhD in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Plant Biology, Crop Science or related discipline and have demonstrated expertise in genomics and experience handling large datasets. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required, alongside the ability to work both independently and effectively within a team.

Additional information:

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.