Postdoctoral Research Scientist

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

Background:

To improve the sustainability of agriculture in the context of climate change, there is a need for a better understanding of root development and a need to develop tools for its engineering. Root architectures are essential to the plant to allow efficient access to water and nutrients. Synthetic biology provides innovative solutions to decode root development at a single-cell resolution and to engineer it at a cell type-specific level.
We recently developed integrase-based circuits allowing the tracking of the order of gene expression during development at the single-cell resolution in the plant model A. thaliana (Maranas et al, 2024).

We will use this technology to decode gene-expression networks during lateral root development and will develop a dynamic cell-lineage tracing method in plants (Chow et al, 2021). This work will be in collaboration with the single-cell sequencing expert of the Earlham Institute to analyse the transcriptional state of marked cells. Additionally, we will develop integrase circuits to engineer root architecture, such as deeper root architecture to reach deeper sources of water (Guiziou 2024).

The role:

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist projects consist of (1) elucidating lateral root development at high resolution via integrase-based trackers and (2) engineer root architecture via cell fate-specific integrase switches.

This post requires a plant biology expertise with experience in molecular biology techniques. The post holder will receive training in synthetic biology, plant biology, single-cell sequencing, and data analysis as required. They will have the possibility to bring their expertise and ideas to the project and to mentor technicians and graduate 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 development. 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 experience in plant biology and molecular biology will be essential, but prior experience or knowledge of synthetic biology and single-cell sequencing is not a requirement.

Additional information:

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

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 13 September 2024.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website via the 'Apply' button above or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004715. 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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