Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Biology

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Durham University

Location: Durham, England, Other, United Kingdom
Category: Biology
Application Deadline: February 21, 2024

Job Description

The Role

Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position on an industrially funded project in which we seek to understand how photosynthetic organisms use a newly discovered light-operated metabolite "junction box" to deflect or amplify external stress signals. This exciting stress response regulatory system plays a central role in biomass productivity and governs adaptation of photosynthetic organisms to their environments. We are using cyanobacteria, microalgae and higher plants to identify the structural components of this molecular machinery and to study how it is regulated by light. An important spinoff has been identification of a suite of bioactive compounds that can be used to tune this system, providing a route to agricultural applications in crop productivity. In partnership with a global company in the agriscience sector, we will screen for and investigate the mode-of-action of compounds that boost pesticide efficacy in weeds control. In addition to molecular biology techniques, the project will use metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics as key research methods.

Key responsibilities:

To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.