Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Sarah Guiziou, and more generally the engineering biology consortium of the Earlham Institute. As Sarah Guiziou recently received a competitive fellowship to develop her research project, the Postdoctoral Research Scientist will have the exciting opportunity to take part in the development of this new group and research project.

Background: 

The accessibility of water and nutrients for plants is becoming a challenge for the further development of sustainable agriculture in the context of climate change. Engineering plant microbiomes has the potential to improve plant health in a rapid and sustainable way (Morales Moreira et al, 2023). A healthy plant microbiome can increase crop yield without the use of agrochemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides.

To engineer plant-beneficial bacteria and plant-microbe interaction, tools are needed: 1) to implement synthetic gene regulatory circuits in bacteria and 2) to image bacteria in natural soil conditions. We developed integrase-based genetic logic circuits in E. coli (Zuniga et al, 2020), we aim to transfer this technology to two rhizobacteria: B. subtilis (Guiziou et al, 2016) and P. fluorescens. We will collaborate with experts in rhizobacteria at the John Innes Center (such as Dr Jacob Malone) Then, we will engineer plant-bacteria interaction, first engineering bacteria colonisation of roots and then engineering bi-directional communication. 

The role: 

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist projects consist of (1) developing synthetic biology tools for plant-beneficial bacteria (integrase tools and imaging tools), and (2) engineering plant-microbe interactions using integrase switches.

This post requires an expertise in plant microbiome with experience in molecular biology techniques, or an expertise in synthetic biology in plant or microbe. The post holder will receive training in both synthetic biology, microbiology, microscopy, flow-cytometry, and data analysis as required. They will have the possibility to bring their expertise and ideas to the project and to mentor students. The post holder will be provided with bespoke training, will fully engage in our research environment, and will have access to core skills training, and all scientific facilities. 

The ideal candidate: 

We seek to appoint a well-trained, enthusiastic and self-motivated scientist with experience in plant microbiome or synthetic biology. The post-holder should hold a PhD/DPhil in biology, bioengineering, or biochemistry before commencing this position. Good organisational skills and the ability to communicate and work productively within a multidisciplinary team will be crucial. An interest in synthetic biology and plant-microbe interaction and an experience in microbiology and molecular biology will be essential. 

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range  £36,720 - £39,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  This is a full-time post for a contract of 36 months. 

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter that details your interest and how you meet the job requirements. 

Interviews will be held on 12 September 2024. 

For further information and details of how to apply, please click on the 'Apply' button above or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004714. This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. 

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. 

The closing date for applications will be 21 August 2024.

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