Research Associate: Plant-Fungal Interactions

Job description:

Are you an enthusiastic and motivated researcher with a passion for plant-fungal interactions? Do you want to combine laboratory, field, and computational approaches to uncover how fungal networks shape ecosystems? We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Biosciences for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Katie Field’s research group.

This Royal Society-funded project investigates how diverse mycorrhizal fungi influence plant nutrition, physiology, biodiversity, and ecosystem function. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Sheffield, the Natural History Museum (London), and Lancaster University, working at the interface of experimental and theoretical approaches to plant-fungal ecology.

In this role, you will design and run experiments in controlled environment growth facilities and field sites, including isotope tracing experiments to quantify nutrient exchange within fungal networks. You will establish and maintain field experiments and use bioenergetic models to interpret experimental data and predict network function across scales. You will process, analyse, and integrate complex datasets, contributing to high-quality publications, presentations, and project reports. You will also collaborate closely with PhD students, research technicians, and project partners to ensure smooth running of experiments and field studies. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your research profile, expand your technical and modelling skills, and contribute to cutting-edge, multidisciplinary science.

You will hold a PhD (or equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in plant science, soil science, microbial ecology, or a related discipline. You will have strong analytical and experimental skills, experience in laboratory and field studies, and the ability to manage projects independently while collaborating effectively within a team. Excellent communication, organisation, and time management skills are essential. Experience in isotope tracing, controlled environment facilities, or bioenergetic modelling is highly desirable.

At the University of Sheffield, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a competitive annual leave entitlement, flexible working opportunities, a generous pension scheme, and a commitment to your professional development and wellbeing.

Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits and join us to become part of something special.

We build teams of people from diverse heritages and lifestyles whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching, and student experience.

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