Postdoctoral Researcher
| Posting date: | 18 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £37,500 to £45,350 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 14 August 2025 |
| Location: | NR4 7UH |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | John Innes Centre |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 1004927 |
Summary
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 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 and genetics to study the mechanism of meiotic recombination in Arabidopsis and wheat. They will collaborate closely with the group of Prof Martin Howard, combining the Howard group's expertise in mathematical modelling with the Morgan group's expertise in the experimental analysis of recombination to unlock the underlying mechanism of meiotic crossover control.
Investigating the spatiotemporal localisation and dynamic behaviour of the recombination machinery in plants will be vital for understanding the mechanisms that govern the frequency and positioning of meiotic crossovers and how these are influenced by genome size and ploidy. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for addressing these questions using a combination of live-imaging, super-resolution microscopy, molecular biology 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, molecular cloning and transformation and an understanding of the biochemical process of DNA recombination.
The candidate will be trained in diverse transferrable scientific and personal skills. Scientific skills include high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, cell biology and plant genetics. Personal skills include project planning, time management and presentation skills.
Additional information:
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Visa fee’s may be offered as part of the relocation package for this role. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
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.
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 and genetics to study the mechanism of meiotic recombination in Arabidopsis and wheat. They will collaborate closely with the group of Prof Martin Howard, combining the Howard group's expertise in mathematical modelling with the Morgan group's expertise in the experimental analysis of recombination to unlock the underlying mechanism of meiotic crossover control.
Investigating the spatiotemporal localisation and dynamic behaviour of the recombination machinery in plants will be vital for understanding the mechanisms that govern the frequency and positioning of meiotic crossovers and how these are influenced by genome size and ploidy. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for addressing these questions using a combination of live-imaging, super-resolution microscopy, molecular biology 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, molecular cloning and transformation and an understanding of the biochemical process of DNA recombination.
The candidate will be trained in diverse transferrable scientific and personal skills. Scientific skills include high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, cell biology and plant genetics. Personal skills include project planning, time management and presentation skills.
Additional information:
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Visa fee’s may be offered as part of the relocation package for this role. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
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.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.