- Job Title
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Post Number
- 1004993
- Closing Date
- 10 Dec 2025
- Grade
- SC6
- Starting Salary
- Salary: £37,500 - £45,350
- Funding End Date
- 01 Oct 2030
- Hours per week
- 37
- Project Title
- Understanding how local 3D chromatin structure determines gene regulation and
environmental responses - Months Duration
- 36
- Interview Date
- 19 Dec 2025
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The Postdoctoral Researcher will study chromatin organisation at a fine scale. They will focus on the dynamics, regulation, and biological functions of local chromatin structure in the context of adapting plants to their surrounding environment.
The work involves studying chromatin responses on different timescales, including during long-term temperature exposure (slow and stable) and circadian rhythms (fast and reversible).
Key Relationships
Internal:
Collaborating closely with Antony Dodd’s group, combining complementary expertise in chromatin biology and chronobiology, in pursuit of novel understanding.
Collaborating with the Ding-Dean group (Yiliang Ding, Caroline Dean, and lab members) to integrate chromatin dynamics, co-transcriptional regulation and RNA structure.
Many other researchers, research support staff and students across the JIC.
External:
Nick Gilbert's lab (MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh) for their expertise in chromatin biochemistry.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
- Percentage
- Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project.
- 75
- 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
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
- Requirement
- Importance
- PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Molecular Biology or related discipline
- Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- Molecular biology
- Essential
- Experience of working with Arabidopsis or other model organisms
- Essential
- Chromatin analyses
- Desirable
- Bioinformatics and data analyses
- Desirable
Relevant Experience
- Requirement
- Importance
- Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas in molecular biology
- Essential
- Proven record in scientific writing
- Essential
- Experience of oral research presentations
- Essential
- Experience with working in a collaborative manner
- Desirable
- Preparing data / information for grant proposals
- 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 scientists
- 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
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
Cell & Developmental Biology
Group Details
The Montez lab is hosted by Prof Antony Dodd (group leader and Head of Department) at the JIC.
Dr Montez has extensive experience studying the molecular mechanisms that enable plants to tune gene expression in response to the environment.
Dr Montez is leading a 5-year project funded by the Wellcome Trust to develop his group and exciting research on how the local 3D chromatin structure determines gene regulation and environmental responses.
Living in Norfolk
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Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary: £37,500 - £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: Three years, full time.
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 10 December 2025
Reference: 1004993
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Wellcome Trust project led by Dr Miguel Montez and hosted within the Dodd Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Molecular Biology.
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.
The group:
Dr Miguel Montez leads a five-year Wellcome Trust-funded project to establish his research group and pioneer studies on how the local 3D chromatin structure determines gene regulation and environmental responses. His project is hosted within the well-established and vibrant research environment of Prof Antony Dodd's group (Head of Department) at the John Innes Centre.
Dr Montez brings deep expertise in studying molecular mechanisms that enable plants to fine-tune gene expression to sense and adapt to the environment. By joining his project, you will become part of an emerging, interdisciplinary, and highly collaborative team that values innovation and curiosity in uncovering new fundamental principles in biology. The Montez group is committed to supporting your scientific development, helping you develop high-impact research and achieve your career goals within a supportive and inspiring environment.
The role:
The Postdoctoral Researcher will investigate chromatin organisation at a fine scale, with a particular focus on the dynamics, regulation, and biological functions of local chromatin structure in the context of how plants adapt to their environment.
The project will examine chromatin responses across multiple timescales, including those that occur during long-term temperature exposure (slow and stable) and circadian rhythms (fast and reversible).
While the position will contribute directly to the overarching goals of the project led by Dr Montez, the specific work plan will be tailored to the candidate’s skills, expertise, and aspirations. This approach ensures a strong alignment between achieving the project’s scientific objectives and fostering the Postdoctoral Researcher’s success and long-term career development.
The ideal candidate:
The ideal candidate will possess (or soon complete) a PhD in Molecular Biology or a related area. They will be highly motivated and interested in chromatin biology. Prior experience using plants as a model organism is desirable but not essential. Good interpersonal and communication skills are required. They will be able to work independently and in collaboration.
Additional information:
Interviews will be held on 19 December 2025.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be addressed to Dr Miguel Montez (miguel-montez@jic.ac.uk).
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.jic.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004993.
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.