Postdoctoral Research Assistant

The Section of Molecular Plant Biology (Dept. of Biology, University of Oxford) is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Assistant for 36 months. This position is funded by a UKRI-BBSRC grant to Professor Paul Jarvis in collaboration with Professor Gail Preston, and the work is to be conducted in the Section of Molecular Plant Biology, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB. The research topic is ‘Uncovering how plant pathogens take control of chloroplast protein import to limit chloroplast-mediated immunity’.

A key global challenge of our era is to deliver increased agricultural yields that have resilience to stress and disease. This imperative arises because of rapid human population growth and anthropogenic climate change, which together place ever increasing pressures on food security and natural resources. To meet this challenge, it will be crucial to develop improved crop varieties. Through research on the model plant Arabidopsis, we previously made important breakthroughs that are pertinent in this regard: We discovered a gene called SP1 that controls diverse aspects of plant growth via a process named “CHLORAD”; and we showed how SP1 is needed for plants to mount effective responses to adverse environmental conditions like drought and salinity (so-called abiotic stresses). This project aims to understand a newly discovered function for SP1 in biotic stress – that is, in plant disease. This will shed new light on the mechanisms of plant immunity.

You will be responsible for planning, troubleshooting and expertly executing the experimental research work of the project; analysing, presenting and discussing the experimental results; and fostering the intellectual and working environment of the research group through interactions with colleagues.

You will have, or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil, and you should also have experience of advanced molecular biology and microbiological techniques as well as relevant statistical and data analysis skills. The post holder will be highly motivated and organised, and have the capacity to think creatively.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 9th January.

The post is available immediately for 36 months.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Jarvis at paul.jarvis@biology.ox.ac.uk.

Excellent benefits include 38 days’ leave. A full-time position, 37.5 hours per week

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