Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Crop Physiology

Please note, this post is fixed term until 31 January 2025, and full time at 1.0 FTE.

Interview Date: Wednesday 06 December 2023

The University of Lincoln is working towards an exciting project together with Australian partners (Australian National University and University of Sydney) and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL, UK) using remote sensing techniques to determine nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and associated canopy photosynthetic potential in wheat. The project seeks to find ways to improve nitrogen use efficiency without loss of yield in contrasting environments. The research objective is to develop a novel high throughput hyperspectral analysis technique that will extract meaningful data from leaves and canopies obtained from leaf clip-on sensors, camera mounted on drones and satellite earth observation.  Data collection from multiple field trials in UK and Australia will be essential to develop the technique.

The key role of the post is to collect crop data and processing of samples on several trials across the country and in Australia on this multi-disciplinary project. The Post-Doctoral Research Associate will liaise with our collaborators and should be motivated to lead the field campaign of the project. Excellent time management and ability to engage with multiple partners is essential. You will be expected to have experience in wheat field trials data collecting and familiarity using hyperspectral camera or leaf clip-on sensor is essential as well as gas exchange photosynthesis measurements. Experience in handling and analysing crop samples is desirable (preferably wheat or other cereals). You will need to be able to travel to multiple sites throughout the UK.

Applicants should have or expect to soon obtain, a PhD in crop science/agronomy or any related discipline. This opportunity allows you to engage in national collaboration within an ambitious team, and to benefit from excellent support to produce and disseminate original research contributions in the leading international conferences and journals. You will have access to state-of-the-art research farms equipped with industrial standard production facilities, as well as state of the art agricultural technology including robots with advanced sensors and tools.

You will also contribute to the University's ambition to achieve international recognition as a research-intensive institution and will be expected to design, conduct, and manage original research in the above subject areas as well contribute to the wider activities of our multi-disciplinary team. Evidence of authorship of research outputs of international standing is essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, including excellent written and spoken communication skills.

This is a full-time post, fixed-term for 12 months initially, with excellent opportunities for ongoing career development and progression. Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Reshmi (Oorbessy) Gaju (email: ogaju@lincoln.ac.uk).

As an institutional Athena SWAN Bronze Award holder we are committed to advancing gender equality in STEM, therefore female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

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