Main Purpose of the Job

Carry out research activities towards the genetic improvement of pea (Pisum sativum) as part of a larger collaborative research programme on UK pulse crops involving several partner organisations. The postdoctoral researcher will work with limited supervision while maintaining good interactions to achieve the programme’s milestones.

Key Relationships

The post holder will primarily work independently, reporting to the line manager during weekly or fortnightly meetings. They will collaborate closely with the Pea Innovation Community established within Legume Generation project and will engage with and support members of the Arora lab, as well as other researchers across the institute. 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Screening pea (Pisum sativum) diversity panel for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, analysing trait data using pangenome and k-mer based methods
 

30

Functional validation of candidate genes through transient expression and CRISPR genome editing approaches, developing molecular markers for use by breeders

30

Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals, contribute to writing of research proposals 

10

Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assistance in training students

10

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

5

Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders

5

Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice

5

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Plant Biology/genetics/pathology or related discipline

Essential

BSc or equivalent in Genetics/Molecular Biology/Plant Pathology or related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Skilled in planning and implementing disease screens, molecular biology, construct design and cloning

Essential

Experience of conducting genetic mapping and candidate gene identification

Essential

Experience of bioinformatic analyses in R/Python and Unix, CRISPR-Cas9 guide design

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas in the area of plant genetics and pathology

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

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

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

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

The Arora Group leverages innovative genomic approaches such as pangenome and k-mer-based analysis  to harness the rich natural diversity of Pisum sativum and its wild relatives, with the goal of improving key agronomic traits—particularly resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. We work closely with industrial partners to ensure that novel alleles and mechanisms underpinning trait variation are rapidly translated into practical applications using cutting-edge molecular tools such as gene editing, thus delivering improved varieties directly to breeders and growers.
 

Living in Norfolk

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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:  5 June 2025

An exciting opportunity is available for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Arora Group at the John Innes Centre, working at the forefront of plant pathology, genetics, and cutting-edge genomic technologies. This position is part of the Legume Generation project, a major European initiative supporting climate-resilient legume breeding.

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 Arora Group:
The Arora Group integrates genomics, plant pathology, and molecular biology to understand and improve disease resistance in legumes, especially pea (Pisum species). A key focus is on harnessing natural genetic diversity and translating discoveries into tools and resources for breeders and industry partners.

In this role, you will work closely with international collaborators and legume breeders to identify novel resistance genes and traits that support sustainable agriculture and food security in the UK and beyond.

The role:
The John Innes Centre holds the UK collection of pea genetic resources that are actively explored to identify genes and alleles for traits of interest. The Legume Generation project will support a Postdoctoral Researcher to uncover the genetic basis of resistance to downy mildew and root pathogens, and investigate the role of root architecture in conferring resilience to environmental stress such as drought.

The successful applicant will conduct disease phenotyping and root architecture screening and leverage pangenome-based approaches, including k-mer GWAS, to explore trait-associated variation.The candidate genes will be validated using gene editing and/or gene silencing approaches.

Genetic alleles of interest will be translated into molecular markers (e.g., KASP) to enable translation of discoveries into applied breeding programs. The post holder will write reports for project and draft manuscripts for publication. Additionally, the post also also offers the unique opportunity to gain leadership experience by covering a period of maternity leave for the Group Leader.

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Plant Pathology/Genetics/Molecular Biology/ or a related discipline and a proven ability to work with plants, conduct genetic analysis and skilled in molecular biology techniques. 

The candidate should have strong interest in understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance and other agronomically important traits for crop improvement. Candidates should have experience with conducting and designing plant phenotyping experiments, molecular biology techniques and have an understanding of the disease resistance mechanisms. Experience or interest in pangenome/k-mer based genome analysis is especially welcome.

The candidate will have the opportunity to further enhance scientific skills and personal skills include project planning, time management, presentation and writing skills.

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