Main Purpose of the Job

An opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Webster Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Biochemistry and Metabolism. The successful applicant will initiate an exciting new project at the intersection of research into photosynthesis, gene expression and plant resilience to stress. The Postdoctoral Researcher will characterise protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions to develop an emerging model of how chloroplast translation allows plants to recover from stress. Cutting-edge methods of biophysical and biochemical analysis will be performed on purified proteins and complexes.

Key Relationships

The appointee will work closely with other members of the Webster Lab and communicate with other researchers at the John Innes Centre. Contacts will include Research Support Staff, Postdocs and Student Communities on-site and external collaborators.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Plan, carry out and modify 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

Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities

5

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in molecular biology or similar discipline

Essential

BSc or equivalent in molecular biology or similar discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Knowledge of protein purification methods

Essential

Analysing protein-protein interactions

Desirable

Analysing protein-nucleic acid interactions

Desirable

Knowledge in genetic engineering of Arabidopsis

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

Essential

Proven record in presentation of scientific data for publication

Essential

Experience in DNA cloning for recombinant protein expression

Essential

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 follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

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

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

Biochemistry and Metabolism

Researchers within the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism investigate the structure and function of biological macromolecules and fundamental aspects of plant and microbial metabolism. They aim to understand the mechanisms underpinning metabolic diversity and how to manipulate proteins, carbohydrates, small molecules and DNA, research which is facilitating advances of agricultural, environmental, medical and industrial importance.

Group Details

The successful candidate will be based in the Laboratory of Dr Michael Webster. Research in the Webster group focuses on understanding the molecular machines that express photosynthetic genes. We aim to discover what determines the timing and level of photosynthetic protein production. We use cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to produce structural models of large and dynamic protein complexes and develop mechanistic models of their activity using biochemical and biophysical techniques. See, for example, Webster et al. 2020, Science 369:1355-59.

Living in Norfolk

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Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary:            £33,050 - £40,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        7 months, Full time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 29th August 2022
Reference:     1004311

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Webster Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Biochemistry and Metabolism.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. 

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 Webster Group:

Dr Michael Webster’s group focuses on understanding the molecular machines that express photosynthetic genes. We aim to discover what determines the timing and level of photosynthetic protein production. We use cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to produce structural models of large and dynamic protein complexes, and develop mechanistic models of their activity using biochemical and biophysical techniques. The post holder will work closely with other members of the Webster Lab and communicate with other researchers at the John Innes Centre.

The role:

Working as part of a team led by Dr Michael Webster you will initiate an exciting new project at the intersection of research into photosynthesis, gene expression and plant resilience to stress.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will characterise protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions to develop an emerging model of how chloroplast translation allows plants to recover from stress. Cutting-edge methods of biophysical and biochemical analysis will be performed on purified proteins and complexes.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have a PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Molecular Biology or a similar discipline. Candidates will have in-depth knowledge of protein purification methods and demonstrable experience in DNA cloning for recombinant protein expression.

Additional information:

Interviews will be held on 20th September 2022.

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.