Applications are invited for a plant physiologist postdoctoral researcher within the Lancaster Photosynthesis team under the supervision of Prof Elizabete Carmo-Silva.
As part of the BBSRC Institute Strategic Programme Delivering Sustainable Wheat, this project aims to decipher the mechanistic regulation of Rubisco synthesis and degradation and how this process impacts photosynthetic efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency in wheat. The wider project goal is to contribute to optimising the wheat canopy function and interactions between source and sink.
The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest and the curiosity to pursue new research avenues in Rubisco, photosynthesis and sustainable wheat production. With training and support, you will be responsible for leading research on the regulation of Rubisco synthesis and degradation. In collaboration with project partners, we will assess how this regulation impacts on photosynthetic efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency and source-sink strength interactions in wheat.
You will lead the molecular, biochemical, and physiological characterisation of dynamic photosynthetic traits in wheat germplasm grown in the field and in controlled environment conditions throughout key phases of development. You will design and carry out experimental and computational work, analyse data, present results in oral and written form and lead the preparation of scientific manuscripts.
You will join the collaborative and supportive Lancaster Photosynthesis team and have access to state-of-the-art resources, including a well-equipped lab for plant physiology and biochemistry work using ionising radiation, high-specification plant growth chambers, and the Lancaster High End Computing (HEC) Cluster. Professional development opportunities and training courses to broaden your expertise and skills will be encouraged and are covered by the project.
Individuals from all diversity groups are encouraged to apply. LEC offers a collegial and stimulating environment for career development, based on departmental values and embedded Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) considerations and actions. We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis, as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. Furthermore, we are active and progressive around sustainability, wellbeing and social justice agendas.
Timeframe:
This position is available to start as soon as possible for the successful candidate.
You will join us on an indefinite contract however the role remains contingent on external funding. This position will initially have a duration of 3 years, with the possibility of extension.
We anticipate interviews will be held in June 2023.
To apply for this post:
In reading your application documents, we are assessing if you are a good fit to this position and if this position is a good fit for you. To be able to do this, we need you to tell us about your expertise and experience to date, and your research interests.
We want to know about the skills you had the opportunity to develop, put within the context of your previous study/work environment by, for example, briefly describing the research facilities available to you, and whether you had opportunities to attend conferences/scientific meetings and develop transferable skills. Please let us know if you have had a career break for any reason so that we can consider the achievements listed on your CV, including your publication record, in relation to these factors.
What to include in each section of your application?
Cover letter: Please discuss why you are interested in this position, your career goals, and how you anticipate this position will help you achieve those goals. Please also describe the skills you have developed that are relevant to this post and tell us about any skills you want to develop further. It is helpful for us to know your contribution toward the achievements and experiences listed on your CV that are relevant to this post.
CV: Please include the following sections: Scientific interests; Education history; Professional experience/Employment history; Areas of expertise/Skills; Publications; Presentations. And, if applicable: Honours/Awards/Prizes/Funding (e.g. travel grant, best poster); Academic service (e.g. review of manuscripts); Outreach; Career development (e.g. training courses or workshops).
Supporting Statements: Please provide a supporting statement for each criterium in the Personal Specification document that is listed as being scored via “Supporting Statements”. This should include examples that provide evidence of your experience and expertise. Aim for one paragraph per criterium (~50-200 words).
Referees: Contact information for at least two referees.
For enquiries relating to this post, please contact:
Prof Elizabete Carmo-Silva e.carmosilva@lancaster.ac.uk.
Further details on our research and team are available here:
http://wp.lancs.ac.uk/lancsphotosynthesis/
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/about-us/people/elizabete-carmo-silva
Further details:
Salary: £30,619 to £43,155
Closing Date: Wednesday 14 June 2023
Interview Date: Tuesday 20 June 2023
Reference: 0491-23