Main Purpose of the Job

The main purpose is to conduct experimental investigations of the interactions between circadian programs in Bacillus subtilis and plants, using imaging methods, reporter genes, and chronobiology protools, leading to data interpretation and publication.

Key Relationships

Internal: Professor Antony Dodd (line manager), research group members, scientists and other scientific support staff at the JIC, and across the Norwich Research Park as needed.

External: International collaborators, particularly the groups of Professor Martha Merrow at LMU (Munich) and Professor Akos Kovacs at the Leiden University. These are the other partners in the Synergy Team.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

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

35

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

20

Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications

10

Liaise closely with external international collaborators within the Synergy Team, and any broader collaborators that contribute

10

Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity and in compliance with local policies, any legal requirements, and requirements of the Synergy Team

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 JIC committees

5

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

BSc or equivalent in the biological sciences

Essential

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in chronobiology, plant biology, microbiology, molecular plant-microbe interactions or a related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Knowledge of the design and implementation of experiments to study circadian rhythms

Essential

Knowledge and experimental experience of using bioluminescence reporter gene systems

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated expertise in one of plant sciences, microbiology, or chronobiology

Essential

Experience of conducting research with model organisms

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

Desirable

Preparing data or information for grant proposals

Desirable

Knowledge of and experimental experience of studying molecular processes of plant-microbe interactions, microbiology or microbial ecology

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 collaborate with internal and external (international) stakeholders

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

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

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Ability to undertake international travel: for example, to collaborating institutions, programme retreats, and conferences, to realise the highly collaborative nature of the MicroClock programme

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, particularly to accommodate the nature of some circadian experiments

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

Cell & Developmental Biology

Group Details

This project is based in the laboratory of Professor Antony Dodd. The Dodd Group focuses on how circadian rhythms adapt bacteria and plants to their fluctuating environments. Circadian rhythms are biological cycles, with a period of about 24 h, that are self-sustaining and are thought to provide a biological measure of time. The Dodd lab uses a variety of model systems for their research, including model plants, crop species, and non-photosynthetic bacteria.

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Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary:            £36,720 - £39,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        Full-time, 3 years
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 9 February 2025
Reference:     1004829

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Dodd Group at the John Innes Centre, working on interactions between circadian programs in Bacillus subtilis and plants.

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 Dodd Group:

The Dodd Group focuses on how circadian rhythms adapt bacteria and plants to their fluctuating environments. Circadian rhythms are biological cycles, with a period of about 24 h, that are self-sustaining and are thought to provide a biological measure of time. The Dodd lab uses a variety of model systems for their research, including model plants, crop plants, and non-photosynthetic bacteria.

The role:

The MicroClock ERC Synergy Team seeks an enthusiastic and motivated post-doctoral researcher to investigate the interactions between circadian programs in Bacillus subtilis and plants, using imaging methods and reporter genes. Based in the group of Antony Dodd at the JIC, they will work closely with MicroClock Synergy Team members at Leiden University and LMU Munich, as part of a major programme to understand the mechanisms and functions of the circadian clock in Bacillus subtilis. 

The ideal candidate:

You will have a PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in chronobiology, plant biology, microbiology, molecular plant-microbe interactions or a related discipline.

You will have in-depth knowledge of the design and implementation of experiments to study circadian rhythms and experimental experience of bioluminescence reporter gene systems. You will also have demonstrable expertise in plant sciences, microbiology, or chronobiology, as well as experience of conducting research with model organisms.

Knowledge of and experimental experience of studying molecular processes of plant-microbe interactions, microbiology or microbial ecology is not essential, but would be advantageous.

Additional information:

Candidates will be discussed and assessed by the MicroClock leadership team.

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.