Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Prof Saskia Hogenhout (twitter: @SaskiaHogenhout) at the John Innes Centre (JIC) to study molecular processes in host-pathogen interactions.

The post holder will investigate interactions of phytoplasma effector proteins with host targets using yeast two-hybrid assays, mutagenesis, co-immunoprecipitation experiments, mass spectrometry, biophysical analyses, structure-function assays and (confocal) microscopy.

They will apply bioinformatics and protein engineering approaches to study the functions of domains within proteins and modulate them. They will generate stable and transient transgenic plant lines and conduct a diverse range of assays with plant pathogens, insects and plants. The post holder will work within a team of individuals experienced in molecular plant-biotic interactions, biochemistry, protein structural biology, evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics.

Key Relationships

The appointee will work closely with the Group Leader, Research Assistant and other lab members of the Hogenhout group. They will also interact with other research groups and staff of the technical platforms of the Norwich Research Park and (inter)nationally. The successful candidate will assist in the training of others, including (under)graduate students, in a collaborative environment. contact will include Research Support staff, Postdocs, student communities and external collaborators.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project

65

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

Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders

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

BSc or equivalent in Molecular Biology

Essential

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Molecular Biology or a related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Knowledge of cellular biology

Essential

In depth knowledge of plant genetics

Essential

Knowledge of microbiology

Essential

In depth knowledge of molecular host-microbe interaction processes, including examining effector-target interactions and host defence responses

Essential

Knowledge in bioinformatics

Essential

In depth knowledge of recombinant DNA technology

Essential

Knowledge of protein structure and biophysics

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to interpret new scientific information and develop novel ideas

Essential

Experience in using protein structure prediction software

Essential

Practical experience in generating transient and stable transgenic plant lines

Essential

Practical experience in biochemistry, including assays to study protein integrity such as western blotting

Essential

Proficient in molecular cloning techniques

Essential

Practical experience in studying microbial effectors/virulence proteins

Essential

Practical experience in techniques to study protein-protein interactions

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

Desirable

Experience in protein engineering techniques

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

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

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars

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

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 successful candidate will be based in the Laboratory of Prof. Saskia Hogenhout, research in the Hogenhout group focuses on dissecting molecular host-microbe-insect interactions. Organisms include the insect-vectored phytoplasmas, which are bacterial plant pathogens that are beneficial to their insect vectors, and the sap-feeding plant-colonizing aphids, psyllids, leafhoppers and spittlebugs/froghoppers. We aim at discovering the mechanisms by which virulence proteins/effectors of phytoplasmas and the insects bind and modulate host processes. We use a range of molecular, biochemical, cellular biology and bio-imaging techniques to study processes in live cells and whole organisms along with biophysical techniques to analyze and engineer protein-protein interactions. We uncovered new cellular pathways, including a novel way of targeted protein degradation that functions in a wide range of organisms. See the following recent publications for more information: Huang et al. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.08.029; Liu et al. 2023, PNAS doi: 10.1073/pnas.2310664120 and Correa Marrero et al., 2024. doi: 10.1111/tpj.16546. 

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Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary:                £35,300 - £43,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:           24 months, full time
Location:           John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date:    16 May 2024
Reference:        1004657

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Prof Saskia Hogenhout (twitter: @SaskiaHogenhout) at the John Innes Centre (JIC) to study molecular processes in host-pathogen interactions. 

This position provides an exciting opportunity to discover how an obligate bacterial plant pathogen modulates host development and immunity. 

Our established system involves phytoplasmas that are insect-vectored plant pathogens. Phytoplasmas have the remarkable ability to dramatically alter plant development by modulating host cellular pathways, leading to, for example, leaf and stem proliferations, delayed aging and increased longevity. The resulting ‘Zombie plants’ (Nature Microbiology Reviews, New York Times) are under complete control of the phytoplasmas. We found that the phytoplasma virulence proteins are amazing tools to uncover cellular processes, including a novel way of targeted protein degradation, in diverse organisms, including humans. See the following recent publications for more information: Huang et al. 2021 (10.1016/j.cell.2021.08.029) Liu et al. 2023 (10.1073/pnas.2310664120) and Correa Marrero et al. 2024 (10.1111/tpj.16546).

The successful applicant will functionally analyse phytoplasma effectors and their targets in plant hosts and insect vectors. They will use biochemical and biophysical experiments in answering key questions such as: How do phytoplasma effectors bind and modulate specific host targets and how have these proteins evolved?

You must have or be close to finishing a PhD in molecular biology or a similar subject. Knowledge of cell- and microbiology, biochemistry and plant genetics are essential. Practical experience in recombinant DNA technology, protein engineering, plant stable/transient transformation techniques, and studying molecular processes in plant-biotic interactions, such as function-structure analyses of microbial effectors/virulence proteins and their targets, are required.

You will be part of a basic research environment that involves sharing outcomes via the writing of publications and reports. You will give research presentations at group, institute and (inter)national meetings. 

You will have to work well within a collaborative team and have an interest in effectively communicating and sharing technologies and discoveries within this team and in campus/institute-wide expert and interest groups. You will be offered opportunities to teach, participate in student supervisory committees and outreach activities, and to engage with industry, entrepreneurs and investors. 

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 Hogenhout Group:

The Hogenhout group at the John Innes Centre focuses on understanding the mechanisms that drive interactions between plants and insects and the role of microbes in these interactions. We use a range of molecular, biochemical, cellular biology and bio-imaging techniques to study processes in live cells and whole organisms along with biophysical techniques to analyse and engineer protein-protein interactions.

Additional information:

Interviews will be held on 19 June 2024.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

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, stimulat