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.

Wheat yield is determined largely by the number of spikelets per spike and the number of fertile, grain-bearing florets within each spikelet (i.e. the inflorescence). Critically, this fertility is not uniform along the spike: central spikelets produce the most and largest grains, whereas spikelets at the base and apex of the spike produce fewer and smaller ones. The small, developmentally delayed and infertile spikelets at the base, referred to as rudimentary basal spikelets (RBS), represent an underexplored factor limiting yield potential. Understanding their developmental origin and genetic control offers a novel route to improve spikelet fertility and grain number.

We recently discovered that a transcription factor involved in spike development, here referred to as TF1, plays a causal and unexpected role in RBS formation. This discovery builds on our earlier work with the VRT2 transcription factor, which also affects spikelet development and RBS. Together, these results suggest that TF1 acts within a broader developmental network governing spikelet and RBS formation, thereby shaping overall inflorescence architecture.

This project will establish how TF1 works, when it acts, and why different haplotypes have such contrasting effects on fertility and yield. Together, these aims will produce the first comprehensive mechanistic framework explaining how TF1 shapes early wheat inflorescence development. By pinpointing why basal spikelets often abort, the project will provide a scientific foundation for breeding strategies that increase the number of fertile spikelets and yield potential.

The successful candidate will characterise the role of TF1 on spikelet development by identifying the developmental stages and cellular processes it controls. They will further define the spatio-temporal expression and regulatory landscape of TF1 using both RNA-seq and MERFISH. In addition, the successful candidate will identify interaction partners and downstream targets of TF1 to explore the regulatory networks controlled by TF1.

Key Relationships

Nikolai Adamski (Line Manager), Cristobal Uauy (Project Lead), James Simmonds (Researcher co-lead), Uauy group members and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute.

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

10

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

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

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

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 Molecular Biology or Plant Biology

Essential

BSc or equivalent in Biology

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Use of Protein immunoprecipitation and MS for protein identification and quantification

Essential

Co-IP in N. benthamiana

Essential

Use of Protein-DNA interaction methods, e.g. CUT&RUN, CUT&TAG, ChIP-seq

Essential

Use of spatial transcriptomics methods, e.g. smFISH, MERFISH, HCR FISH

Desirable

Experience working with wheat, e.g. molecular biology and phenotyping

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 of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

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 stakeholders

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

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

Promotes equality and values diversity

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 Uauy lab is focused on using genetics and genomics to improve both yield and quality components in wheat.  The research comes under three main areas, namely increasing yields, improving crop quality, and genomic-enabled technologies. We use molecular genetic approaches to identify genes involved in wheat productivity traits and enhance the translation of this knowledge into improved varieties for industry and consumers. We aim to understand the mechanisms by which these genes function in order to develop the most rational strategies to deploy them into commercial varieties.

Living in Norfolk

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Postdoctoral Researcher

Salary:              £39,000 - £46,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. A starting salary of £40,100 is guaranteed for candidates who can evidence their PhD certificate on appointment.
Contract:         36 months, full-time
Location:         John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date:  10 December 2026
Reference:      1006246

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Uauy 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.

Project background:
Wheat yield is determined largely by the number of spikelets per spike and the number of fertile, grain-bearing florets within each spikelet (i.e. the inflorescence). Critically, this fertility is not uniform along the spike: central spikelets produce the most and largest grains, whereas spikelets at the base and apex of the spike produce fewer and smaller ones. The small, developmentally delayed and infertile spikelets at the base, referred to as rudimentary basal spikelets (RBS), represent an underexplored factor limiting yield potential. Understanding their developmental origin and genetic control offers a novel route to improve spikelet fertility and grain number.

We recently discovered that a transcription factor involved in spikelet development, here referred to as TF1, plays a causal and unexpected role in RBS formation. This discovery builds on our earlier work with the VRT2 transcription factor, which also affects spikelet development and RBS. Together, these results suggest that TF1 acts within a broader developmental network governing spikelet and RBS formation, thereby shaping overall inflorescence architecture.

The project:
This project will establish how TF1 works, when it acts, and why different haplotypes have such contrasting effects on fertility and yield. Together, these aims will produce the first comprehensive mechanistic framework explaining how TF1 shapes early wheat inflorescence development. By pinpointing why basal spikelets often abort, the project will provide a scientific foundation for breeding strategies that increase the number of fertile spikelets and yield potential. 

The role:
The successful candidate will characterise the role of TF1 on spikelet development by identifying the developmental stages and cellular processes it controls. They will further define the spatio-temporal expression and regulatory landscape of TF1 using both RNA-seq and MERFISH. In addition, the successful candidate will identify interaction partners and downstream targets of TF1 to explore the regulatory networks controlled by TF1.

The ideal candidate:
You will have a PhD in Molecular Biology or Plant Biology with in-depth knowledge of protein isolation, identification, and quantification, as well as both protein-protein interaction and protein-DNA interaction assays.

You will have a proven ability to perform research and develop novel ideas in molecular plant biology. Experience in spatial transcriptomics techniques and a proven record in scientific writing are highly desirable.

Additional information:
A starting salary of £40,100 is guaranteed for candidates who can evidence their PhD certificate at appointment. Candidates awaiting confirmation of their PhD award will be appointed at £39,000 until evidence is provided.

Interviews will be held on 11th and 12th January.

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.