At the Plant Development and Evolution Lab (University of Bristol), we are interested in the molecular mechanisms that underpin plant shape formation and how these developmental processes evolve to generate plant diversity. This Postdoctoral Research Associate role is part of the BBSRC funded project “Deciphering the developmental basis of carpel and fruit shape” which aims to determine how genes control the growth processes that underlie carpel development and how are these processes affected by environmental stresses.
As the post-holder you will be a part of a growing team including a Specialist Research Technician, a PhD Student and a lively rotation of undergraduate project students. You will use your background in plant molecular biology and/or plant development to lead the study the mechanisms that regulate carpel formation in Arabidopsis and in peas.
In addition you will collaborate with team members to understand how carpel development and fruit and seed production responds to stress induced by high temperatures and low water availability.
What will you be doing?
You will conduct research and coordinate research activities with other team members, participate in the planning of experimental work and lead data collection and data analysis, in line with the project’s aims.
You will communicate regularly with the PI and research group members about the project progress and the interpretation of results, and you will contribute more broadly to the dissemination of research results to the research community by participating in international conferences and helping with the production of data, figures and text for scientific research articles.
You will participate actively in the daily running of the lab and the common lab tasks, as well as the mentorship and training of more junior colleagues.
You should apply if
- You have a PhD (or working towards one) in plant molecular biology or plant development and a keen interest in plant biology (equivalent research experience in the field of plant sciences may be considered provided a high quality PhD in a relevant field is obtained)
- It is essential that you have experience working with plant model systems (i.e. Arabidopsis), including producing transgenic plants, genotyping and phenotyping transgenic plants and mutants; significant experience of molecular biology approaches (i.e. cloning, RNA extraction, cDNA production and RT-qPCR); and significant experience of microscopy techniques including confocal microscopy. Some experience with in situ hybridisation techniques and morphometrics approaches are also desirable.
- You should have an enthusiasm to work collaboratively, the ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas effectively to audiences with varying levels of knowledge, and demonstrable effective academic writing skills.
Additional information Informal expressions of interest can be directed to Beatriz Gonçalves: beatriz.goncalves@bristol.ac.uk.
Salary: £36,333 – £40,745 per annum
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Closing date: 21 Aug 2023