Main Purpose of the Job

Conduct an internationally competitive research project to establish plant AI methods that are applicable to a range of plant processes. This will involve developing RNA and DNA foundation models and the investigation of functional elements in RNA sequence, sequence/structure motifs.

The first focus will be on the dissection of co-transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation where RNA structure plays a significant role. The post-holder will be monitoring a fast-moving international field and keeping the Ding group and JIC on the front edge of this technology. They will maintain a very close interaction with experimentalists/researchers in the Ding lab ensuring that the predictions can be validated experimentally.

The Senior Postdoctoral Researcher will deputise for the Group Leader when needed. They will also contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, budget management, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence.

Key Relationships

Yiliang Ding is the PI of the group, but this encompasses three sub-groups with different scientific goals. The post-holder will report to Yiliang Ding but themselves be responsible for daily supervision of 1-3 PhD students who are in the Ding AI team. They will also provide daily support and supervision to other members of the group, this could include PhD students, postdocs and short-term visiting workers. They will also interact with the 9 experimentalists in the Ding lab, through weekly group meetings and daily discussions, plus with Dr Govind Menon (in the Dean group) on the computational modelling of the system. They will need to interface with other JIC//TSL research groups who want to adopt this AI technology, and staff of the computational platforms of the Norwich Research Park eg Earlham Institute and Data Centre. The post-holder will travel to international meetings to maintain and initiate research collaborations.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Run an independent sub-group developing AI technology, to involve development of plant biology RNA/DNA foundation models. Daily supervision of between 1-3 computational PhD students who will be identifying next steps, troubleshooting, writing reports and giving regular group meetings and departmental seminars. Continually liase with other sub-leaders and with PI Yiliang Ding

60

Represent Y Ding at international meetings and liaise with collaborators in labs around the world. Interact efficiently with Dean Lab/Govind Menon

10

Interact with experimentalists to ensure seamless integration of AI predictions and correct experimental validation – and rapid publication

10

Prepare fellowship and grant applications to support the work

5

Be fully up to speed with all relevant literature

5

Be the first port of call for day to day computational issues

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in computational biology and bioinformatics

Essential

AI RNA/DNA foundation model research experience

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

AI and RNA biology research expertise

Essential

Experience in RNA structure and AI RNA background

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas in the areas of AI and RNA biology

Essential

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Substantial experience of conducting effective research at postdoctoral level

Essential

Recent experience of managing a laboratory when the PI is away

Essential

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 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

Cell & Developmental Biology

Group Details

Yiliang Ding's group encompasses three sub-groups with different scientific goals:
1) AI sub-group (Exploration of the application of AI tools in understanding the co-transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulations, including RNA structure-mediated and DNA structure-mediated gene regulations).
2) RNA nuclear export sub-group (Exploring the RNA structure functionality in RNA export and processing).
3) Co-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of FLC. 

Living in Norfolk

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Senior Postdoctoral Researcher

Salary:            £45,450 - £56,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract:        60 months, full-time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 8th April 2026
Reference:     1006073

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Ding Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Cell and Developmental 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.

About the Ding Group:

Yiliang Ding's group encompasses three sub-groups with different scientific goals:

• AI sub-group (Exploration of the application of AI tools in understanding the co-transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulations, including RNA structure-mediated and DNA structure-mediated gene regulations).
•  RNA nuclear export sub-group (Exploring the RNA structure functionality in RNA export and processing).
• Co-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of FLC. 

The role:

Working as part of a team led by Yiliang Ding, you will lead an internationally competitive research programme within the Ding group at the John Innes Centre, focused on developing plant-specific AI approaches for understanding RNA and DNA regulation.

The role will involve building and applying RNA/DNA foundation models to identify functional sequence and structure motifs, with an initial emphasis on co-transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms where RNA structure plays a central role. The post-holder will work closely with experimental researchers to ensure seamless integration of computational predictions with experimental validation and rapid publication.

The successful candidate will report to Professor Ding and lead a small computational sub-group, including the supervision of 1–3 PhD students. They will collaborate extensively with experimentalists in the Ding lab, computational partners across the Norwich Research Park (including the Earlham Institute), and international collaborators. The role also includes contributing to grant applications, representing the group at international meetings, and maintaining the group’s position at the forefront of AI-driven plant biology.

Candidates should hold a PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, RNA biology, or a related discipline, with strong experience in AI/machine learning applied to RNA/DNA research, particularly RNA structure.

The ideal candidate:

You will have a PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in computational biology and bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, RNA biology, or a related discipline, with strong experience in AI/machine learning applied to RNA/DNA research, particularly RNA structure.

A track record of independent research, scientific writing, and presentations is essential. Experience supervising students, preparing grant applications, and managing research activities is highly desirable. Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment, are required.

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.