Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the group of Prof Martin Howard in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.

The main purpose of the position is to develop computational models of meiotic crossover patterning, collaborating with the experimental group of Dr Chris Morgan. The models will further develop our understanding in Arabidopsis, as well as forge new directions in polyploids, including wheat. The position will align with new ISP goals resulting from the recent appointment of Chris Morgan as a group leader within the BRiC ISP.

Key Relationships

Other members of the Howard group, other groups within Computational and Systems Biology at JIC, and other experimental groups at JIC, particularly Chris Morgan's.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

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

50

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

20

Disseminate research findings through presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings

10

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) in Theoretical Physics/Bio-Mathematics/Computational Biology

Essential

BSc or equivalent in a relevant scientific field

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to apply techniques from theoretical physics/applied mathematics to biological problems

Essential

Strong interest in biological problems

Essential

Computer programming experience (e.g. use of computational tools such as MatLab)

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrable scientific success, with track-record of publications and presentations

Essential

Prior experience in biological modelling

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Self-motivated, creative and intellectually independent

Essential

Good verbal and written communication skills, facilitating interaction with experimentalists

Essential

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

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

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Available to travel to international meetings and for short visits to collaborating laboratories

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

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

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

Computational and Systems Biology

The Department of Computational and Systems Biology conducts leading research across a broad range of the biological sciences, with a special focus on spatial problems in plant and microbial research. Particular strengths of the department include mathematical and statistical modelling of the physical mechanisms underlying biological pattern formation and comparative genomics. In addition, the department has strong bioinformatics that underpins the research of the institute through training, software development and statistical analysis.
Whilst much of the research is carried out in close collaboration with world-leading experimental groups within the John Innes Centre, we have strong international collaborations with experimentalists and theoreticians worldwide.

Group Details

The Howard group combines simple, predictive mathematical and biophysical modelling with long-lasting experimental collaborations to dissect biological mechanisms too complex to unravel by experiments alone. In many cases we are able to rationalise complex biological dynamics into simple underlying mechanisms, with few components and interactions.

Our approach is highly interdisciplinary and relies heavily on the techniques of statistical physics and applied mathematics, as well as on close collaboration with experimental groups. This truly interdisciplinary approach allows us to get to the heart of biological mechanisms more speedily. At present there are two main foci in the group: understanding patterning dynamics in sub-cellular biological systems and probing how epigenetic memory states are set up and then stably maintained.

For patterning, the main application at present is to the dynamics of crossover positioning in meiosis, understanding how crossovers are anti-correlated in space, an intriguing phenomenon called crossover interference. For epigenetics, we work on both histone modification memory systems, as well as on DNA methylation. The group collaborates with a wide range of experimentalists in systems ranging from plants to mammalian stem cells.

Currently there are three Postdoctoral Researchers in the group.

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Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary:            £36,720 - £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        Full time, 36 months
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 10 February 2025
Reference:     1004815

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the group of Prof Martin Howard in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.

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 Howard Group:

The Howard group combines simple, predictive mathematical and biophysical modelling with long-lasting experimental collaborations to dissect biological mechanisms too complex to unravel by experiments alone. In many cases we are able to rationalise complex biological dynamics into simple underlying mechanisms, with few components and interactions.

Our approach is highly interdisciplinary and relies heavily on the techniques of statistical physics and applied mathematics, as well as on close collaboration with experimental groups. At present there are two main research areas in the group: understanding patterning dynamics in sub-cellular biological systems and probing how epigenetic memory states are set up and then stably maintained. For patterning, the main application at present is to the dynamics of crossover positioning in meiosis, understanding how crossovers are rarely closely positioned in space, an intriguing phenomenon called crossover interference. For epigenetics, we work on both histone modification memory systems, as well as on DNA methylation.

The group regularly publishes in the most prominent multidisciplinary journals, with recent papers in Nature, Science, Cell Systems, eLife, Molecular Cell and PNAS. Several previous members of the Howard group now hold independent faculty positions of their own, including in Warwick, Glasgow, Sydney, Amsterdam and Munich.

The role:

The main purpose of the position is to develop computational models of meiotic crossover patterning, collaborating with the experimental group of Dr Chris Morgan also at the John Innes Centre. The models will enhance our understanding of how crossovers are positioned, using phase-separating coarsening dynamics. The position would suit an individual with a high degree of independence and vision, able to advance the project independently. The successful candidate will have a rare opportunity to work on fundamental biological processes in a truly interdisciplinary environment, with seamless collaboration with a leading experimental group.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will possess (or soon complete) a PhD in Theoretical Physics, Bio-Mathematics or Computational Biology. They will possess a strong interest in biological problems and have achieved demonstrable scientific success in previous roles. Prior experience of biological modelling is desirable but not essential.

Additional information:

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, all visa costs will be covered 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.

Interviews will be held on 12 March 2025.

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