Main Purpose of the Job

Carry out research activities towards the genetic improvement of pea (Pisum sativum) as part of a larger collaborative research programme on UK pulse crops involving several partner organisations. The postdoctoral researcher will work with limited supervision while maintaining good interactions to achieve the programme’s milestones.

Key Relationships

The post holder will report to the line manager during weekly or biweekly meetings. The individual will maintain close working relationships with PCGIN-funded RA in the Balk group and actively collaborate with members of the Pulse Crop Genetic Improvement Network (PCGIN) at other UK institutes.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Screening pea diversity panels to phenotype traits related to fungal and viral pathogens, while also investigating the role of root architecture in resistance to root pathogens and drought.

35

Investigate phenotype datasets to identify genetic loci using GWAS.

20

Contribute to ongoing efforts to set up transformation and CRISPR gene editing in pea involving construct design, cloning and transformation. 

15

Design genetic markers using bioinformatics tools and collaborate with industry to transfer traits to cultivars and develop breeder's toolkit.

10

Collaborate with colleagues within PCGIN network and stakeholders to disseminate research findings through presentations. Contribute to reports and write manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals.

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

MSc or equivalent in Genetics/Molecular Biology/Plant Pathology or related discipline

Essential

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology or related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Skilled in molecular biology, construct design and cloning

Essential

Experience of conducting genetic and statistical data analysis

Essential

Knowledge of plant/legume genetics

Essential

Setting up and executing phenotyping screens

Essential

Understanding of bioinformatics tools for genetic mapping and sequence analysis

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research, work independently and develop novel ideas in the area of plant pathology and genetics

Essential

Recent experience of working with plant pathogens and carrying out plant disease assays

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing and dissemination of research

Essential

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

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

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

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

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

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

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

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

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 postdoctoral researcher will be based in the Arora group and will have frequent interactions with the Balk group as part of the Pulse Crop Genetic Improvement Network (PCGIN) programme. Both groups explore the natural diversity of Pisum species to identify genetic polymorphisms that enhance resistance to biotic stresses (Arora group) or nutritional traits (Balk group). The Arora group employs innovative genomic approaches combined with genetics, pathology and molecular biology to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying disease resistance. Additionally, both groups collaborate intensively with industry to translate the discoveries for practical use by breeders and food processors with the ultimate goal to develop a nutritious, climate-resilient pea crop tailored to the UK's agricultural needs.

Living in Norfolk

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Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary:            £36,720 - £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        36 months, full time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 24 September 2024
Reference:     1004748

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Arora 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 Arora Group:

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be based in the Arora group and will have frequent interactions with the Balk group as part of the Pulse Crop Genetic Improvement Network (PCGIN) programme. Both groups explore the natural diversity of Pisum species to identify genetic polymorphisms that enhance resistance to biotic stresses (Arora group) or nutritional traits (Balk group).

The Arora group employs innovative genomic approaches combined with genetics, pathology and molecular biology to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying disease resistance. Additionally, both groups collaborate intensively with industry to translate the discoveries for practical use by breeders and food processors with the ultimate goal to develop a nutritious, climate-resilient pea crop tailored to the UK's agricultural needs.

The role:

The John Innes Centre holds the UK collection of pea genetic resources that are actively explored to identify genes and alleles for traits of interest. Funding from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) will support a Postdoctoral Researcher to identify genetic variation underlying resistance to diseases that are of primary concern for UK pea crops, as well as tolerance to drought.

The successful applicant will carry out research activities using a combination of genetics, genomics, molecular biology and statistical tools. Pea diversity panel will be screened for resistance to specific viruses, emerging downy mildew strains and study role of root architecture for resilience against root pathogens. The data will be subject to genetic and statistical analysis to identify associated genes and validate them using gene editing and/or gene silencing approaches.

Genetic alleles of interest will be shared with the stakeholder network, to translate the findings to pea breeders, growers and other end users. The post holder will design molecular markers for this purpose (e.g. KASP), write reports for stakeholders and the funding agency (Defra) and draft manuscripts for publication.

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Genetics/Molecular Biology/Plant Pathology or a related discipline and a proven ability to work with plants, genetic analysis and skilled in molecular biology techniques. 

Experience of working with legumes is desirable, but not essential. The candidate should have strong interest in understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance and other agronomically important traits and crop improvement. Candidates should have experience with conducting and designing plant phenotyping experiments, molecular cloning and have an understanding of the disease resistance mechanisms. 

The candidate will have the opportunity to further enhance skills in all areas or diverse transferrable scientific and personal. Scientific skills include plant pathology and genetics, gene editing, bioinformatics and data analysis and interactions with industry. Personal skills include project planning, time management, presentation and writing skills.

Additional information:

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, 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.