We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on effector biology of Zymoseptoria populations. Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £40,521. Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to December 2026
Role Summary The Kettles and McDonald laboratories in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join in early 2024. The researcher will work on the BBSRC-funded project SeptPROTECT,
which aims to understand molecular mechanisms of wheat resistance breakdown against the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. In this project, we aim to identify which Z. tritici secreted proteins (effectors) are involved in immune evasion of major disease resistance genes in wheat.
The researcher will be based in the Plant Science & Food Security theme within the School of Biosciences. The School of Biosciences hosts >40 research groups working on various aspects of plant and microbial science. The candidate will have the opportunity to assist with supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for;
- performing high-throughput forward genetic screens (using novel methodology recently developed in the host laboratory), fungal DNA extractions, whole genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatic analysis of WGS data.
- generating tritici gene knockout strains using established protocols.
- communicating with collaborators at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) who will be working towards the same aim using a QTL mapping approach.
- developing methodology related to targeted amplicon sequencing of effector genes from natural populations to understand how these genes evolve under selection.
- contributing to development of a web-interface for sharing of amplicon sequencing data.
- management of a research associate associated with project
- taking lead role in writing of research manuscripts
Person Specification
- Normally, a higher degree relevant to the research area (normally PhD or one near to completion) or equivalent qualifications
- Experience in scientific writing and data presentation and a track record of disseminating research findings to scientific audiences and through peer reviewed journals
- Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously including a track record of managing large volumes of data
Informal enquires can be made to Graeme Kettles, email: g.j.kettles@bham.ac.uk
To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the ‘Apply’ button below.
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working