Postdoctoral Researcher

Contract: 36 months, full time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Morgan Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Cell & 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 Morgan Group: 

Research in the Morgan group focuses on understanding the mechanism of meiotic recombination, including the enigmatic phenomena of crossover interference. We combine advanced super-resolution imaging with genetics, genomics and biochemistry to investigate meiotic recombination, using Arabidopsis and wheat as model eukaryotes. Additionally, we regularly collaborate with groups specialising in other disciplines (e.g. mathematical modellers) to more comprehensively answer complex biological questions. See, for example, Morgan et al. 2021, Nat Comms 12, 4674. 

The role: 

The successful applicant will use a combination of advanced microscopy, molecular biology, genomics and genetics to study the mechanism of meiotic recombination in Arabidopsis. 

Investigating the spatiotemporal localisation and dynamic behaviour of the recombination machinery in Arabidopsis will be vital for understanding the mechanisms that govern the frequency and positioning of meiotic crossovers. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for addressing these questions using a combination of live-imaging, super-resolution microscopy, molecular biology, genomics and genetic dissection. 

The ideal candidate: 

The successful candidate will have a PhD in molecular biology or a related discipline and a proven ability to use advanced microscopy to study aspects of chromosome or cell biology.

Experience working in plant systems or studying meiosis is desirable, but not essential. The candidate should have a strong interest in understanding the molecular mechanism of meiotic recombination.

Candidates should have experience of advanced fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, genome sequencing, molecular cloning and transformation and an understanding of the biochemical process of DNA recombination. 

Additional information: 

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 1004738. This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. 

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.

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