Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

We invite interested graduate scientists to apply for the position of Research Assistant, based at the Crop Science Centre in Cambridge, to work in Professor Uta Paszkowski's laboratory on a research project led by Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Sarabeth Buckley.

This is an exciting opportunity for somebody passionate about scientific research to gain experience in a state-of-the-art laboratory. The successful candidate will be joining a vibrant and friendly group of research technicians and researchers in the Crop Science Centre.

The Centre, which opened in October 2020, benefits from the diverse skills and expertise of the University of Cambridge and NIAB, providing an environment for research excellence in crops with the drive and expertise for scientific translation to address real-world problems. About 50 staff and students are located at the Centre, distributed amongst three established research groups and three fellows starting new research programmes.

The Paszkowski lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and functioning of AM symbioses in rice and maize. It aims at developing knowledge to optimize the incorporation of the AM-symbiosis into sustainable yet modern agricultural practices. The role holder will help to cover Dr Buckley's research project while she is on maternity leave and will report to Professor Paszkowski. The project focuses on essential techniques such as plant establishment and maintenance, fungal quantification, RNA expressions analysis and, after training, the role holder will work on the project independently for the next 4 months with the support of Professor Paszkowski's lab.

Successful candidates will have a BSc or MSc (or equivalent) in biological or life sciences, with a strong background in molecular biology and biochemistry. Experience in computational biology, cell biology and/or synthetic biology as well as experience working with plants (such as oryza sative) will be advantageous. The role holder will have good IT skills, excellent organisation skills, and the ability to work independently once trained.

The role holder will work as part of a wider team of laboratory technicians and research assistants, therefore being a strong team player is essential. The role holder will possess good communication and interpersonal skills.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We strive for a diverse and creative environment and wish to broaden representation in the agricultural sciences.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Sarabeth Buckley (sb2481@cam.ac.uk).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 5 months in the first instance.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit :

http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/39272.

Please note that if you have not received any news from us 1 month after the closing date you should consider that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Please quote reference PD35202 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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