Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Plant Engineering Biology)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Sarah Guiziou, and more generally the engineering biology consortium of the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK. This position is funded by Dr Sarah Guiziou’s UKRI Future Leader Fellowship.

Background:

To improve the sustainability of agriculture in the context of climate change, there is a need for a better understanding of root development and a need to develop tools for its engineering. Root architectures are essential to the plant to allow efficient access to water and nutrients. Engineering biology provides innovative solutions to engineer root development at a cell type-specific level and in response to environmental stressors.

We developed integrase-based circuits allowing the tracking of the order of gene expression during development at the single-cell resolution in the plant model A. thaliana (Maranas et al, 2024). And we are currently applying this integrase-based technology to develop a dynamic cell-lineage tracing method in plants.

This project aims to develop integrase circuits to engineer root architecture, such as deeper root architecture to reach deeper sources of water (Guiziou 2024). Some Arabidopsis lines have been generated for this project and will serve as a starting point for the Postdoctoral researcher project.

Maranas al. A history-dependent integrase recorder of plant gene expression with single cell resolution. Guiziou. Biocomputing in plants, from proof of concept to application. 

The role:

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist project consists of engineering root architecture via cell fate-specific integrase switches.
This post requires plant biology expertise and/or engineering biology expertise. The post holder will receive training in engineering biology, microscopy, and data analysis as required. The post holder will have the possibility to bring their expertise and ideas to the project and to mentor undergraduate and graduate students. The post holder will be provided with bespoke training from Earlham Institute’s research faculty, will fully engage in our research environment, and will have access to core skills training and all scientific facilities (e.g. biofoundry, microscopy facility, glasshouse).

The ideal candidate:

We seek to appoint a well-trained, enthusiastic and self-motivated scientist with experience in plant biology and/or engineering biology. The post-holder should hold a PhD/DPhil in biology, bioengineering, or biochemistry before commencing this position. Good organisational skills and the ability to communicate and work productively within a multidisciplinary team will be crucial. An interest in engineering biology and experience in plant biology and molecular biology will be essential.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,540 to £40,600 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. The position is available full-time with flexible working hours and part-time work possible, for a contract of 22 months.

Interviews will be held on 7^th May 2026.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website via the 'Apply' button above or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006085.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 23 April 2026.

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