Research Fellow (105145-0424)

There is funding to recruit a PDRA on FA6 to 30.09.2025 with an extension up to a max 20 months subject to sufficient funding and approval from BBSRC to extend the funding beyond 30.09.2025

Plant Molecular Biologist; Plant Immunity

A fixed term contract BBSRC funded Research Fellow position is available in the Grant laboratory. We seek a highly motivated cell/molecular biologist, ideally with some experience in plant immunity to work on understanding the function of novel cyclic ADP ribose derivatives generated by the Toll-Interlukin 1 (TIR) class of plant disease resistance proteins. Remarkably, pathogens deploy TIR containing effectors to suppress disease by producing subtly different cyclic ADP ribose variants. This project will dissect how these contrasting TIR domain containing proteins affect the outcome of plant-pathogen interactions.

The research uses the model pathosystem Arabidopsis thaliana - P. syringae interaction. A collection of immune compromised Arabidopsis mutants and altered P. syringae strains will be studied in conjunction with genetically encoded reporters, novel whole plant imaging approaches, proteomics and targeted mass-spectrometry to dissect early plant immune responses and how these are suppressed by the pathogen.

While focussed on plant immunity, this project would suit an enthusiastic plant molecular/cell biologist with additional skills in any of the areas of biochemistry, proteomics, or metabolomics. The project involves collaborators in the USA and Hong Kong and benefits from Warwick’s excellent including state-of-the-art imaging facilities and one of the UKs leading Mass Spectrometry facilities in Warwick’s Chemistry department. The successful candidate will join a well-funded lab, working on a range of challenges in the plant immunity field, including systemic signalling, metabolic immunity, inter-organellular communication and the molecular basis of plant immune suppression.

Any requests for further information can be directed to Murray Grant, m.grant@warwick.ac.uk.

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the Apply button.

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