Main Purpose of the Job

The Postdoctoral Researcher will undertake independent and innovative research to support and accelerate progress in ongoing projects in the lab. For this, the post-holder will apply genetic, biochemical and cell biological approaches to characterise the role of novel proteins involved in cellular differentiation in Streptomyces.

Key Relationships

The post will be managed by Susan Schlimpert. The post holder is expected to collaborate with group members working on other aspects of this project and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute. 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

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

75

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

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 Molecular Microbiology or related discipline

Essential

BSc or equivalent in Biological Sciences of related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Laboratory skill in bacterial genetics

Essential

Evidence of skills and experience in protein biochemistry, structural biology and/or metabolomics

Essential

Strong understanding of bacterial development and genetics

Essential

Skills and experience in fluorescence microscopy and associated image analysis

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ides

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Experience of oral research presentation

Essential

Preparing data / information for grant proposal

Essential

Practical experience of cyro-electron microscopy and data analysis

Desirable

Demonstrated ability to work with Streptomyces

Desirable

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

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 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

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

Molecular Microbiology

Our holistic approach integrates cellular physiology, molecular genetics (including functional genomics), biochemistry and structural biology. In the Department of Molecular Microbiology we study bacterial metabolism, physiology, gene regulation and development, and plant-bacterial interactions. Major themes of our work on Gram-negative bacteria are the molecular basis of signal transduction in response to various environmental signals and studies on the biology of ammonia channel proteins which are conserved in all domains of life.

The Department's comprehensive Streptomyces programme, studying antibiotic production, morphological differentiation and stress responses, is underpinned by the newly-acquired genome sequence of the model species S. coelicolor, and cutting-edge techniques in functional genomics. Another major research area is the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis where our studies range from bacterial quorum-sensing and plant-bacterial signalling interactions to the developmental responses of plants to their microbial symbionts.

The Department capitalises on the John Innes Centre's emerging strengths in functional genomics, structural biology and advanced cytological techniques, as well as exploiting novel links between research on bacterial and plant processes.

Group Details

The successful applicant will be based in the Laboratory of Dr Susan Schlimpert. Research in the Schlimpert group focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin cellular development and morphogenesis in actinobacteria, focusing on the multicellular Streptomyces bacteria. The group’s current research has several sub-objectives:

- Cell division in Streptomyces and Mycobacteria
- Regulation of multicellular development in bacteria
- Cell differentiation
- Functional diversity of NLRs in Streptomyces

The team maintains a vibrant and stimulating research atmosphere – currently consisting of two postdoctoral scientists with an additional postdoc joining in spring 2025, and two postgraduate students. We also regularly host projects for undergraduate students.

More information about the group can be found here: https://www.schlimpertlab.com/

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

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: 18 November 2024
Reference:    1004789

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available to join the Schlimpert Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Molecular Microbiology.

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 Schlimpert Group:

The successful applicant will be based in the Laboratory of Dr Susan Schlimpert. Research in the Schlimpert group focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin cellular development and morphogenesis in actinobacteria. The group’s current research has several sub-objectives:

- Cell division in Streptomyces and Mycobacteria
- Regulation of bacterial multicellular development
- Functional diversity of NLRs in Streptomyces

The team maintains a vibrant and stimulating research atmosphere – currently consisting of two postdoctoral scientists with an additional postdoc joining in spring 2025, and two postgraduate students. We also regularly host projects for undergraduate students.

More information about the group can be found here.

The role:

We are looking for one Postdoc to work on a new ERC Consolidator Grant project BacNLR, which aims to unravel the functional diversity of NLR-like proteins in bacteria. The role is initially for three years with the potential to extend to up to five years.

The postholder will combine molecular microbiology, protein biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and metabolomics to demonstrate the role of NLR-like proteins in regulating antibiotic production and/or bacterial multicellular development and immunity in Streptomyces. We also aim to elucidate the structural basis of NLR protein complexes and their binding partners using cryo-electron microscopy.

This project will uncover new roles of NLR signalling pathways and provide an innovative experimental strategy to boost the production of medically important molecules.

For a new first time visa applicant, we will cover the costs associated with the visa application for the successful candidate.  

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline and should ideally meet the following criteria:

• Proven ability to work with bacteria and skilled in molecular biology techniques
• High level of interest in understanding the molecular basis of NLR signalling in bacteria and its potential impact on the biology of Streptomyces
• Experience in protein biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy and/or metabolomics and/or structural biology
• Committed to research excellence with a demonstrated relevant publication track record in leading scientific journals
• A proven ability to conduct independent research, as well as to work effectively as a member of a research team
• Interest in mentoring and supervision of visitors and students

Additional information:

As part of your application, candidates will need to submit their CV along with a brief but strong covering letter that describes your career narrative to date, how this relates to the advertised position, and how - this position fits with your career plans, and a publication list.

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.