Main Purpose of the Job

Postdoctoral Researchers work with limited supervision to carry out individual and collaborative research projects relevant to the overall needs of the research programme.

Key Relationships

Internal: Line manager (David Seung) and group members (Postdoctoral Researchers, Research Assistants, postgraduate students and undergraduate students), and as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute.
External: National and International collaborators, Industry project partners

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

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

60

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

10

Collaborate with colleagues (group members and external collaborators) in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications

5

Participate in the supervision of the group's students, providing advice and demonstrating experimental techniques

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 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 starch-related research

Essential

BSc or equivalent in biology

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Knowledge in wheat genetics

Essential

Extensive knowledge of wheat starch synthesis, demonstrated through prior research experience in the area

Essential

Extensive knowledge of wheat starch digestibility, demonstrated through prior publications in the area

Essential

In-depth knowledge of plant biochemistry (with focus on the biochemistry of seeds and grains)

Essential

Knowledge of starch synthesis in cereals other than wheat

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas in wheat starch applications

Essential

Experience in the isolation and characterisation of wheat mutants or natural variation panels

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing and publishing in the area of wheat starch

Essential

Experience with interacting with wheat breeders

Essential

Experience with wheat field experimentation

Essential

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Desirable

Preparing data / information for grant proposals

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

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

Our research aims to develop a full molecular understanding of how plants make starch. We are interested in discovering the molecular mechanisms that control starch granule initiation, polymer composition and morphology. We use a combination of molecular genetics, biochemistry and cell biology-based approaches to develop this understanding. We are also using this knowledge to develop new strategies to improve the quality of starch crops - particularly wheat. Our team maintains a vibrant and stimulating research atmosphere, consisting of three postdoctoral scientists, four postgraduate students, and two research assistants. We regularly host projects for undergraduate students. We collaborate extensively with other research groups at JIC, as well those based at other institutes within the UK and abroad.

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:        24 months, full time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 26 November 2024
Reference:     1004802

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Research to join the Seung 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 Seung Group:

Dr Seung’s research group aims to develop a full molecular understanding of how plants make starch. The group's current research has several sub-objectives:

• Understand the mechanism of starch granule initiation
• Identify genes that underpin diversity in starch granule morphology and composition
• Develop novel approaches to improve the quality of starch crops. 

The team maintains a vibrant and stimulating research atmosphere - currently consisting of three postdoctoral scientists, four postgraduate students and two research assistants. We regularly host projects for undergraduate and Masters students.

More information about the group can be found here.

The role:

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a BBSRC-funded project, which aims to explore the commercial applications of novel wheat germplasm developed in the Seung lab for the food and industrial starch sectors. Through the analysis of the germplasm, they will discover how variation in starch granule structure and morphology impacts processing, as well as functional and nutritional quality.

This will reveal exciting new knowledge on structure-function relationships in the context of starch and grain quality. They will be responsible for conducting two years of field trials with the material. The postholder will be responsible for liaising with several commercial partners on the project, who will test the materials in specific applications.

The ideal candidate:

The successful applicant must have prior research experience in starch in wheat grains, including the analysis of functional and nutritional quality. They must have experience with field experimentation.

Knowledge of starch synthesis in other cereal species is also desirable. They will have a BSc or equivalent in biology, and a PhD that focuses on starch science. Candidates will have in-depth knowledge of plant biochemistry (with focus on the biochemistry of seeds and grains), and a demonstrated ability to generate high quality data on starch traits in wheat.

Given the highly collaborative nature of this project, it is essential that you value teamwork.

Additional information:

Interviews will be held on 10 December 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, 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.