An exciting opportunity has arisen within the wheat pathogenomics team for a post-doctoral scientist to further explore the wheat – Fusarium graminearum interaction. The post holder will further characterise various translocated fungal effector proteases and define their role(s) in fungal infection.
Then the project will use this new knowledge to devise and then evaluate a series of plant gene edited line to express various protein kinase decoy sensors that when cleaved by specific fungal proteases trigger either or both ETI /PTI mediated plant defences in Arabidopsis and wheat and thereby enhance disease resistance.
This post is part of a joint NSF-BBSRC funded project and involves two US based research team, one led by Prof Roger Innes (Indiana University) and the other by Dr Matt Helm (USDA-ARS Laboratories at Purdue University). The post holder will have the opportunity to undertake two training periods in the US, each of one month’s duration, to achieve specific joint experiments.
The project will involve fungal and plant genomics, functional genomics, molecular biology, confocal microscopy of plant-pathogen interactions, protein biochemistry and bioinformatics. Applications will be welcomed from candidates with expertise in the molecular cloning, molecular genetic and microscopy analysis of plant pathogen interactions in wheat and arabidopsis, plus a willingness and enthusiasm to learn and apply new techniques.
As well as conducting the research, the successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in paper writing, conference presentations and other dissemination activities, and in maintaining a strong relationship with the two US based teams. Evidence of team working at an international level would be extremely advantageous.
Technical and methodological skills together with proven experience in designing and delivering research projects is essential. A working knowledge of wheat – fungal interactions although an asset is not an essential criterion for this role. Training will be provided where necessary.
Informal enquiries can be made to kim.hammond-kosack@rothamsted.ac.uk This is a full-time fixed term appointment to 31 January 2027 (with possibility for extension) offering a salary in the range of £31,350 to £33,152 per annum.
Closing date: 5 June 2023
Interviews :15, 16 and 20 June 2023
About The Company: Established in 1843, Rothamsted Research is one of the UK’s leading Research Institutes delivering world class agricultural science. Our commitment to learning and development, equality and diversity as well as creating a positive work life balance, enable a welcoming environment for all prospective employees.
We have an attractive benefits package including 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme and an attractive campus offering cultural and recreational activities. Rothamsted Research values its commitment to equality and diversity in its workforce and we particularly encourage applications from women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as these groups are currently under-represented within the organisation.