Hours per week: 37
Project Title: Developing a gene editing pipeline in sugar beet
Expected/Ideal Start Date: 04 Nov 2024
Months Duration: 24
Interview Date: 17 Oct 2024
Flexible Options: Although full-time hours are available, applications from those interested in working part-time hours are also welcomed. If suitable applications are received, this post could be filled on a job-share basis.
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Penfield Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Crop Genetics.
The post will include work towards gene editing in sugar beet and the post holder will closely work with a strong team of external collaborators. This role will provide the opportunity to develop skills and gain experience working in public-private partnerships. The candidate will also develop skills in project management, tissue culture, molecular biology, and crop transformation.
Key Relationships
Internal: Line manager, group members, and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff, and students across the Institute. External: Collaborators.
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 (5%)
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. Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory, and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence (5%)
7. Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities (5%)
8. Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders (5%)
9. 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
Requirement: PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in biological sciences or related discipline (Essential).
Requirement: BSc or equivalent in biological sciences (Essential).
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement: A good understanding of plant gene editing techniques (Essential).
Requirement: Experience working with crop transformation or related processes (Essential).
Requirement: Previous experience in gene editing (Essential).
Requirement: Proven ability in molecular biology including construct design and assembly (Essential).
Requirement: Strong publication record, commensurate with career stage (Desirable).
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity (Essential).
Requirement: Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures (Essential).
Requirement: Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (Essential).
Requirement: Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem-solving skills (Essential).
Requirement: Excellent time management and organisational skills (Essential).
Requirement: Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team (Essential).
Additional Requirements
Requirement: Promotes equality and values diversity (Essential).
Requirement: Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute (Essential).
Requirement: Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate (Essential).
Requirement: Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required (Essential).
Requirement: Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars (Essential).
Requirement: Attention to detail (Essential).
Requirement: Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work (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
Crop Genetics
The Department of Crop Genetics undertakes fundamental research on the biology of cereals, brassicas, and legumes to understand the genetic and molecular basis of phenotypic variation. A major goal is to develop the technologies and knowledge base to provide a predictive framework that will underpin conventional and novel plant breeding strategies.
The Penfield Group works to understand the effects of seasonal changes in temperature on plant reproductive development.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary: £36,720 to £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: 24 months, full time.
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 7 October 2024
Reference: 1004769
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