Postdoctoral Researcher
Post Details
Job Title
Postdoctoral Researcher
Post Number
1004857
Closing Date
1 Apr 2025
Grade
SC6
Starting Salary
Salary: £36,720 - £44,500
Hours per week
37
Project Title
Engineering synthetic plant artificial chromosomes (synPACs)
Months Duration
36

Job Description

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

Line managers (David Seung and Anne Osbourn) and group members (Postdoctoral Researchers, Research Assistants, postgraduate students and undergraduate students); collaborators at Earlham Institute and University of Manchester; other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institutes.

 

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

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

Requirement
Importance
PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) in Plant Science
Essential
BSc or equivalent in biology or related discipline
Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement
Importance
Extensive knowledge of plant genetics
Essential
Extensive knowledge of approaches in plant biotechnology and tissue culture
Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement
Importance
Demonstrated ability to perform research in the area of plant biotechnology, with focus on potato or other Solanaceae
Essential
Experience in tissue culture of potato or other Solanaceae
Essential
Proven record in scientific writing and publishing
Essential
Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students
Essential
Experience with cell sorting
Desirable
Experience with protoplast preparation and handling
Desirable
Experience of oral research presentations
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

Who We Are

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

This postholder will be based in both David Seung and Anne Osbourn groups, which are in the Biochemistry and Metabolism department of the John Innes Centre.

David Seung’s group has expertise in the biology and biotechnology of starch crops. Anne Osbourn’s group has expertise in natural product chemistry and synthetic biology of plants. Our teams are multidisciplinary and maintain a vibrant and stimulating research atmosphere, consisting of postdoctoral scientists, postgraduate students, and 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

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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:     1 April 2025
Reference:        1004857

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Seung and Osbourn Groups at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the Department 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 Groups:

This post holder will be based in both David Seung and Anne Osbourn groups, which are in the Biochemistry and Metabolism department of the John Innes Centre.

David Seung’s group has expertise in the biology and biotechnology of starch crops. Anne Osbourn’s group has expertise in natural product chemistry and synthetic biology of plants. Our teams are multidisciplinary and maintain a vibrant and stimulating research atmosphere, consisting of postdoctoral scientists, postgraduate students, and 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.

The role:

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to be based at the John Innes Centre, working as part of a large cross-institute, multidisciplinary project that aims to develop artificial chromosome technology and synthetic biology tools in potato.

The postholder will be based in both the Seung and Osbourn labs in the Biochemistry and Metabolism department. As part of a broader goal to engineer synthetic chromosomes in plants, they will innovate methods for large DNA delivery and assembly in plant cells. Approaches could include transfer of DNA from yeast to plant cells, protoplast fusion, as well as traditional Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Additionally, the postholder will work together with other scientists on the project to develop and deliver synthetic gene clusters that are designed to optimise nutritional and yield traits in potato.

They will work in close collaboration with researchers at Earlham Institute and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

The ideal candidate:

The successful applicant must have prior research experience in the biotechnology of potato (or other Solanaceae crops). They must be familiar with methods of tissue culture. Prior experience with protoplast handling and cell sorting is desirable. They must have solid background knowledge on plant genetics. Given the highly collaborative nature of this project, it is essential that the candidate values teamwork.

They will have a BSc or equivalent in biology, and a PhD in plant science. Candidates will have in-depth knowledge of plant genetics and biotechnology.

Additional information:

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. 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.