Postdoctoral Scientist : Norwich, United Kingdom

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the laboratory of Professor Alison Smith at the John Innes Centre. The post-holder will investigate the nature of a newly-discovered mechanism that initiates starch degradation in plant leaves at twilight and thus prevents carbon starvation during the day-to-night transition. They will establish whether starch degradation is triggered by falling light or falling photosynthesis, whether the circadian clock controls the timing of initiation, the nature of signalling pathways that link triggering and timing mechanisms to the pathway of starch degradation, and the importance of the mechanism for plant fitness under natural light regimes. The project will make use of mutant and transgenic plants with altered expression of clock, light signalling and starch genes (many already available, and others generated as part of the project), metabolomic, proteomic and transcriptomic analyses, imaging techniques and growth analyses. The project will offer ample opportunities for innovation and for training in new approaches and skills.

The post holder will have a PhD in plant science, and a proven ability to carry out research with important, publishable outcomes. Experience in plant transformation and an understanding of plant primary metabolism are essential. The post holder must have good mathematical and bioinformatics skills, and the capacity to grasp and apply new concepts and techniques rapidly and effectively. They will be expected to display good presentational skills and a high level of organisation and rigour, and to work effectively both independently and in collaborative environments.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £30,500 to £33,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This post is for a contract of 3 years.