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Overview
Prof Julie Gray and Dr Stuart Casson in the School of Biosciences are looking to appoint a Research Associate to join a BBSRC funded project to investigate the molecular basis of heat and drought stress tolerance in rice crops. You will work alongside a technician employed on the project and collaborate with researchers at the Universities of Penn State in USA, and Wurzburg in Germany, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines who are involved in the project.
Our objective is to understand abiotic stress tolerance in traditional rice cultivars through studying genetic variations associated with growth in hot or dry environments. Several of our target genes are involved in regulating the production of stomata and hence levels of water loss. To explore whether these genetic variations can confer climate resilience we will compare the physiology and yield of hundreds of cultivars that contain either functional or non-functional copies of the target genes, in carefully controlled environments and in also in tropical field trials. We will verify the function of our target genes by genetically manipulating their expression and by using gene editing to recreate stress resilience in an elite modern rice variety.
Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in plant or crop science, with proven experience of crop abiotic stress analysis, plant physiology, molecular biology, transgenics, stomatal biology and water loss. You will be responsible for designing, developing and performing experiments and data analysis. You will help to supervise a technician and will coordinate your work with collaborators to progress the project. You will also disseminate the findings of this research by writing papers and presenting work at conferences and seminars.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Provide the interdisciplinary skills and intellectual input to characterize many different rice cultivars at the physiological, cellular and molecular level.
- To generate new hypotheses and design appropriate experiments to achieve the objectives of the research project.
- Interact with collaborators and other researchers on the project to ensure that the research objectives are met.
- Discuss the required experiments and work with the research team and agree on a strategy to complete the planned work.
- Keep appropriate records of all work carried out and ensure that all data is stored securely in both raw and processed forms.
- Analyse and record data to design future experiments and produce useful findings for others.
- Prepare papers for journals / presentation in-house or at national and international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
- Write supporting documents (such as protocols, reports, etc.) to support the research group and carry our administrative roles as required.
- Interact with and help supervise junior members of the research team.
- Provide support to other members of the research team in the same laboratory in a related field of research.
- Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
- Help to prepare and deliver public outreach activities.
- As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria | Essential or desirable | Stage(s) assessed at |
Hold a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in an area of plant molecular genetics or plant physiology | Essential | Application |
Proven track record of successful research in crop physiology and plant molecular biology | Essential | Application |
Proven experience of techniques for plant abiotic stress analysis | Essential | Application |
Understanding of stomatal biology | Essential | Interview |
Proven experience of transgenic plant analysis | Essential | Application |
Knowledge of relevant Health & Safety systems, policies, and legislation for laboratory work including working with genetically modified organisms | Essential | Application |
Evidence of first author publication(s) in international peer-reviewed journals | Essential | Application |
Ability to manage an independent original research project and help to supervise the work of junior staff | Essential | Application |
Ability to accurately undertake measurements and record keeping | Essential | Application |
Ability to work flexibly and effectively | Desirable | Application |
Experience of scientific outreach work | Desirable | Application |
Further Information
Grade | 7 |
Salary | £38,784 - £42,254 per annum |
Work arrangement | Full-time (100% FTE) |
Duration | Fixed term for a period of 36 months (available immediately) |
Line manager | Professor of Plant Cell Signalling (PI) |
Direct reports | None |
Our website | School of Biosciences |
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Julie Gray, Professor of Plant Cell Signalling (PI), on j.e.gray@sheffield.ac.uk |
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ( www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.