Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Crop Quantitative Genetics

Location: Cambridge, CB24 9NZ

Closing date: 12 January 2025 with interviews being held on 24 January 2025

Contract: 3-year fixed term

Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday; part-time considered.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Shape the Future of Crop Science

Are you ready to contribute to meaningful research in crop genetics and bioinformatics that supports sustainable agriculture and global food security? Join Niab as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate and play a key role in unlocking the potential of genetic variation in crops to address real-world challenges.

As part of our friendly and collaborative Crop Quantitative Genetics team, you’ll work on pioneering projects, applying innovative techniques to analyse genetic data and reveal the underlying factors driving key crop traits. Your work will help design experiments, manage data workflows, and develop cutting-edge tools that push the boundaries of what is possible in crop science.

At Niab, we prioritise teamwork, creativity, and the impact of your research, ensuring that you are supported in making a tangible difference in the field.

Projects You Will Be Involved In

An example of the research you will work on in this position is the BBSRC funded “Ensemble Plant Populations” project (https://www.niab.com/news-views/news/news-improved-access-plant-genetic-resources-drive-crop-innovation), where in collaboration with EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) we are developing a web-tool containing existing population-based sequence and variant data, supporting users to run statistically sound genetic mapping analyses for an impressive range of populations and crop species. Additionally, there will be the chance to work on the exciting "Wheat Alliance" project, which is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.  This project aims to explore extended wheat gene pools, to identify the genetic control of plant-microbe interactions for improving nitrogen and phosphorus uptake in wheat.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who brings curiosity, collaboration, and expertise to this role. You will have:

• A relevant BSc or equivalent qualification and a PhD in quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, plant biology, or a related field.
• Advanced skills in genetic mapping and statistical genetics (e.g., GWAS).
• Proficiency in R software and a detail-oriented approach to managing large datasets.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to contribute to a team-oriented research environment.

Additional skills that are desirable but not essential include:

• Knowledge of plant breeding, crop science, or related fields.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools, command line systems (e.g., Unix/bash), and sequence analysis.
• Programming skills in Python and experience supporting or mentoring others.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and manage genomic analysis pipelines for genetic mapping and data quality control using R software.
• Analyse large-scale genetic and sequence datasets using bioinformatics and high-performance computing systems.
• Contribute to experimental design, ensuring robust approaches to studying complex crop traits.
• Deliver high-quality research outcomes through clear reports, publications, and presentations.
• Provide support to colleagues and students, fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.

ABOUT US

Niab is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, combining excellence in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems, and data science to deliver innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. With the largest national field trials capability and strong connections to industry, government, and academia, Niab is uniquely positioned to address the biggest challenges in modern farming and food production.

Headquartered in Cambridge, Niab has a national presence with regional offices and over 400 employees across the UK. Our mission is to advance the role of plant genetic resources through cutting-edge research, technical services, and world-class training. By working at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding, Niab creates opportunities for transformative collaborations that benefit the wider plant sciences sector.

Niab’s Cambridge sites are home to state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• Molecular biology laboratories and advanced plant growth facilities.
• Extensive glasshouses and containment units for genetically modified plant trials.
• Over 250 hectares dedicated to commercial cropping and field trials.

Our headquarters also hosts the Crop Science Centre , a pioneering collaboration with the University of Cambridge. Together, we aim to transform global agriculture by developing innovative solutions for sustainable and resilient food production.

BENEFITS

We believe in supporting our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Benefits include:

• 25 days of annual leave, plus public holidays and extra leave during the festive season.
• Flexible working arrangements, including part-time options.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities, including advanced glasshouses, containment units for genetically modified plant trials, and extensive field trial areas.
• Generous pension scheme, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount programme.
• Enhanced sickness pay to provide security during unexpected health challenges.

LOCATION

The role is based at Niab Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9NZ, 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. Free on-site parking and linked by cycle ways and regular buses to Cambridge city centre and railway station. Close to Junction 32 of A14, with easy access to M11, A10 and A11.

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Dr Tally Wright, Group Leader in Crop Quantitative Genetics, tally.wright@NIAB.com.

Dr Tally Wright Group Leader in Crop Quantitative Genetics:

• https://www.niab.com/about/people/dr-tally-wright
• https://www.cropsciencecentre.org/staff/tally-wright/

See full Job Description on our website for more details.

Cambridge Park Farm site https://www.niab.com/about/locations/park-farm

NIAB actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.

TO APPLY

Click the ‘Apply’ button for further details and to apply directly. Any questions? Email jobs@niab.com or call Human Resources on 01223 342282.

Please note that following changes to Immigration Law in April 2024, this role does not qualify for a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.  Candidates with independently held immigration permission would be considered.