Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher in epigenetics to join the Laboratory of Professor Diane Saunders at the John Innes Centre to decipher the role of epigenetic switching in supporting virulence gains for the wheat rust fungi. This position will also be in close collaboration with Professor Nick Talbot's laboratory at The Sainsbury Laboratory. 

Key Relationships

The appointee will work closely with other members of the Saunders Lab and interact with other researchers working on wheat rust diseases at the John Innes Centre.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Identify, 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

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 Biotechnology, Biological Sciences or similar

Essential

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent studying epigenetics in any experimental system

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Experience with ChIP-seq, sRNA-seq and Methyl-seq (or similar)

Essential

Skills in proteomics and/or metabolomics

Essential

Experience in bioinformatic techniques including sRNA-seq analysis

Essential

Knowledge of fungal infection assays, disease phenotyping

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

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

Attention to detail

Essential

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

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 Saunders Lab focuses on studying (re-)emerging plant pathogens that pose significant threats particularly to UK agriculture. We use an array of different approaches, integrating molecular genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, plant pathology, population genetics, genomics and data mining to improve our understanding of how pathogens cause disease. For instance, we have numerous projects studying the wheat yellow rust pathogen, Puccinia striiformis f. sp tritici that is a substantial threat to wheat production worldwide and more recently re-emerged as a major constraint on UK agriculture.

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Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary:                £36,720 - £39,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:           Full time, 36 months
Location:           John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date:    17 November 2024
Reference:        1004743

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher in epigenetics to join the Laboratory of Professor Diane Saunders at the John Innes Centre to decipher the role of epigenetic switching in supporting virulence gains for the wheat rust fungi. This position will also be in close collaboration with Professor Nick Talbot's laboratory at The Sainsbury Laboratory. 

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 Saunders Group:

The Saunders group focuses on studying (re-)emerging plant pathogens that pose significant threats to UK agriculture. They use an array of different approaches, integrating molecular genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, plant pathology, population genetics, genomics and data mining to improve our understanding of how pathogens cause disease.

The role:

The appointee will work on the obligate biotrophic pathogen Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (Pst) which causes wheat yellow rust disease, which is a major threat to wheat production worldwide. The main purpose of this post is to determine the contribution of epigenetic switching of Avr expression for wheat rust fungi in virulence gains and how this could be exacerbated under climate change. A central question in plant pathology is how pathogens are recognised by their hosts and how the subsequent activation of immunity may be evaded by pathogens to promote disease. One potential, understudied strategy to evade recognition is to prevent the synthesis of Avr proteins – through a process regulated by epigenetic switching. However, our understanding of epigenetic regulation in evolution of loss of host recognition for fungal plant pathogens remains in its infancy.

The appointee will use an array of experimental approaches to explore epigenetic switching in Pst. The project will involve techniques in bioinformatics, molecular biology and biochemistry. This is a very exciting opportunity for the applicant to join a large multi-disciplinary research group to address key questions in how Pst causes disease and evades host recognition.

The ideal candidate:

Applicants should possess a PhD in epigenetics in any experimental system. They should also be trained in ChIP-seq, sRNA-seq and Methyl-seq (or similar), have skills in proteomics and/or metabolomics and experience in bioinformatic techniques. Experience in fungal plant pathology would be advantageous but is not essential. 

Additional information:

This role meets the criteria for a visa application and we will be happy to support the successful candidate with the costs towards this, therefore 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.