Main Purpose of the Job

The Postdoctoral Researcher will investigate the genetic control of cold tolerance in bread wheat. They will exploit homoeolog-aware approaches to discover hidden variation in the polyploid wheat genome. The post-holder will carry out phenotyping experiments and use single-cell genomics and GWAS to identify the genetic loci associated with cold tolerance. They will work closely with international collaborators, contributing to gene regulatory networks to predict genetic regions to enhance cold tolerance in wheat. The post-holder will test the predictions using gene editing and pre-existing mapping populations.

Key Relationships

Internal: The post-holder will be line managed by the group leader, Philippa Borrill. The post-holder will maintain good relationships with all group members including postdocs, students, research assistants and visitors. They will also interact with other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute.
External: The postholder will work closely with academic researchers in the USA and Germany, and with industrial collaborators in the UK.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

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

70

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

5

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

5

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

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

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

Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities

Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Genetics/ Genomics, Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, or related discipline

Essential

BSc or equivalent in biology or related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Plant molecular biology and genetics expertise

Essential

Knowledge and experience working with sequencing techniques including sample preparation

Essential

Knowledge of state-of the art genomics approaches

Essential

Knowledge and experience of plant or polyploid species genomics

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Experience of carrying out data analysis and developing analysis pipelines in a programming language e.g. R/python

Essential

Experience of plant phenotyping under abiotic stress conditions

Desirable

Experience working with next generation sequencing data

Desirable

Preparing data / information for grant proposals

Desirable

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

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

Crop Genetics

The Department of Crop Genetics undertakes fundamental research on the biology of cereals, brassicas and legumes to understand the genetic and molecular basis of phenotypic variation. A major goal is to develop the technologies and knowledge base to provide a predictive framework that will underpin conventional and novel plant breeding strategies. This will enable high-yielding, stress and disease resistant varieties, with a particular end-use quality, suitable for an efficient but benign agriculture.

Group Details

The Borrill group aims to harness the genetic potential of polyploid wheat for crop improvement. They are interested in understanding the contributions of individual homeologs and how differences in homoeolog expression levels contribute to phenotype.
 

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary:            £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        full-time, 36 months
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 27 October 2025
Reference:     1004968

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Borrill Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Crop Genetics.

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 Borrill Group:

The Borrill group aims to harness the genetic potential of polyploid wheat for crop improvement. They are interested in understanding the contributions of individual homeologs and how differences in homoeolog expression levels contribute to phenotype.

The role:

The Borrill group seeks a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the genetic control of cold tolerance in bread wheat. The post-holder will design, optimise and carry out experiments comparing responses of cold-susceptible and cold-resistant wheat lines. They will exploit homoeolog-aware approaches to discover hidden variation in the polyploid wheat genome. Through established international collaborations they will produce single-cell genomic data and contribute to gene regulatory network models to predict gene expression associated with cold tolerance. The post-holder will test the model predictions using gene editing and mapping populations. 

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should have a PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, or related discipline and have demonstrated expertise in molecular biology and genetics. Good communication and organisation skills are required, alongside the ability to work both independently and effectively within a team.

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.