Hours per week: 37
Project Title: The spatiotemporal dynamics of meiotic crossover control
Expected/Ideal Start Date: 21 Oct 2024
Months Duration: 36
Interview Date: 24 Sep 2024
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the research team of Dr Chris Morgan at the John Innes Centre to carry out individual and collaborative research projects.
The successful applicant will study the biochemistry of meiotic recombination proteins in Arabidopsis. Determining the activity, putative targets and oligomerisation properties of the recombination machinery in Arabidopsis will be vital for addressing key, open questions relating to meiotic crossover formation, such as what are the underlying biophysics behind recombination protein coarsening dynamics and how might this drive crossover designation?
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for addressing these questions using a combination of biochemical assays, proteomic analysis and phenotypic dissection.
Key Relationships
The post-holder will be embedded within the Morgan group, working with team members, as well as other research groups as appropriate for the project and skills development.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
1. Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project (60%)
2. Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media (10%)
3. Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications (10%)
4. Disseminate research findings through presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings (5%)
5. Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements (5%)
6. Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities (5%)
7. Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders (5%)
8. As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
1. PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Molecular Biology or related discipline (Essential)
2. BSc or equivalent in Biology, Biochemistry of Chemistry (Essential)
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
1. Protein production and purification (Essential)
2. Biochemical assay development (Essential)
3. Proteomic analysis of protein-protein interactions (Desirable)
4. Knowledge and understanding of meiotic recombination mechanisms (Desirable)
5. Plant protein biochemistry (Desirable)
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
1. Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills (Essential)
2. Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team (Essential)
3. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity (Essential)
4. Excellent time management and organisational skills (Essential)
5. Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (Essential)
6. Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures (Essential)
7. Promotes and strives for continuous improvement (Essential)
Additional Requirements
1. Attention to detail (Essential)
2. Promotes equality and values diversity (Essential)
3. Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate (Essential)
4. Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work (Essential)
5. Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars (Essential)
6. Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required (Essential)
7. Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute (Essential)
Who We Are
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.
Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world.
Department
Cell & Developmental Biology
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.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary: £36,720 - £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: 36 months, full time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 9 September 2024
Reference: 1004737
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