Vacancy: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Assessor of Carbon Sequestration by Nature-based Climate Solutions, Forest Ecology Group (Coomes Lab), Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C), University of Cambridge, Cambridge UK.

The Position

The successful candidate will join the Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C) which aims to verify the claims and consequences of carbon credit generating activities, to ensure these have the most beneficial impact as we transition to a net-zero future.

You will assess and track changes in carbon stocks working with other research groups and private sector partners. You will bring together appropriate, trusted primary observations from ground-based surveys with remote sensing datasets to measure and track carbon stocks through time. The contexts would include key ecosystems, such as forests and peatlands. The data products should scale to the global level and will be used as an input to our automated system for generating carbon credits.

Salary: £33,309 - £ 40,927

Application deadline: 5 April 2022

More information on this position can be found here.

Vacancy: Bioinformatician

Applications are invited for a Bioinformatician to join the Laboratory of Dr Falk Hildebrand at the Earlham Institute.

The role:

This post requires an experienced bioinformatician with an interest to study reconstructed microbial genomes in metagenomes (bacterial, archaeal, fungal). The post-holder will be involved in conceptualizing & implementing bioinformatic pipelines to analyse large time-series metagenomes (human gut, soil, …), based on data from 2nd and 3rd gen sequencing platforms, such as illumina, PacBio, ONT, Hi-C & single cell sequencing data. The analysis will be published in research papers that the candidate should be leading.

Salary range: £32,578 - £39,938

Application closing date: 14 April 2022

More information about this position can be found here.

Vacancy: Laboratory Manager at Leaf Expression Systems

The Company

Leaf Expression Systems is a contract development business based in Norwich, Norfolk which specialises in the plant-based expression and production of proteins, metabolites and complex natural products for research and biomedical applications using a proprietary, transient expression technology, Hypertrans®.

The role

Position type: permanent

Hours: Full time

The Laboratory Manager will oversee the efficient day-to-day running of Leaf Systems laboratories, growing areas and general facilities, providing a range of services in support of the company’s development and manufacturing activities. The hands-on role will ensure that the technician team are maintaining all general laboratory supplies, sufficient plants are available for production demand and perform waste management duties, which includes using autoclaves. The Laboratory Manager will also ensure that all environmental health and safety requirements are met by the team and quality management documentation is followed.

For more information go to www.leafexpressionsystems.com/careers/

All applicants must apply with a covering letter and CV to info@leafexpressionsystems.com

Job opportunity: Senior Fermentation Scientist at Colorifix

Senior Fermentation Scientist at Colorifix:

£41,000 - £45,000 a year - Full-time, Permanent

“As part of the Dye house production team, the Senior Fermentation Scientist will play an integral role in the day-to-day operations of Colorifix’s demonstration plant in Cambridge, UK. The demonstration plant seamlessly integrates Colorifix’s entire process from dye production via fermentation through to industrial dyeing and finally to fabric finishing. The Senior Fermentation Scientist will be responsible for the operation of pilot scale and demonstration fermentation systems whose products will be used by the dye team for small scale dyeing runs. The senior scientist will also be the dye house’s interface with the company’s R&D teams and be expected to lead and assist with the technology transfer of new strains and process improvements from the laboratory to pilot scale. Longer term the role may include having oversight of bench-scale fermentations systems for process development work at the Cambridge site. The role will also include the day-to-day management of junior fermentation scientists and/or technicians.”

Application deadline: 14/02/2021

For more information visit: https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Colorifix-Ltd&t=Senior+Fermentation+Scientist&jk=1f9b3fda711f8f36&q=fermentation&vjs=3

Job opportunity: Fermentation Specialist at Colorifix

Fermentation Specialist at Colorifix:

£42,000 - £50,000 a year - Full-time, Permanent

“We seek to hire a highly motivated and experienced Fermentation Specialist to be part of our Implementation Team, which will play a key role in client onboarding. Specifically, we are working with a number of mills and dye houses (the clients) across Europe that provide services to the international fashion and textile industries. In order to integrate our technology into their existing processes, they need to purchase and set up fermentation equipment at their facilities, or alternatively contract CMOs locally to provide an outsourced fermentation service to them. Given that this is a previously unused technology in this context, the Fermentation Specialist will take the lead in advising management teams of client dye houses and will work in tandem with other specialists from our Implementation Team, whose expertise will be in GM regulation and safety.”

Application deadline: 14/02/2021

For more more information visit: https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Colorifix-Ltd&t=Fermentation+Specialist&jk=0ea87314348f50ae&q=fermentation&vjs=3

Group Leader Vacancies at the John Innes Centre

Group leader positions currently available at the John Innes Centre:

John Innes Centre is looking for creative early-career or established researchers who wish to develop exciting long-term independent programs in plant and microbial science and be part of a highly collaborative culture.

Applications close Friday 22 January 2021.

For more more information visit: https://www.jic.ac.uk/vacancies/group-leaders-2/

Plant genome engineer vacancy with Phytoform Labs

Phytoform Labs enables plant breeding innovation in specialty crops and focuses on sustainability in agriculture.

The company, based at Rothamsted Research centre in Harpenden, is currently looking for a plant genome engineer to join their multidisciplinary team. Offering the right individual a competitive salary in a fast-paced start-up environment.

For more information on the position visit their website or contact Nicolas Kral of Phytoform Labs.

Plant molecular biologist vacancy with Phytoform Labs

Phytoform Labs enables plant breeding innovation in specialty crops and focuses on sustainability in agriculture.

The company, based at Rothamsted Research centre in Harpenden, is currently looking for a plant molecular biologist to join their multidisciplinary team. Offering the right individual a competitive salary in a fast-paced start up environment.

For more information on the position visit their website or contact Nicolas Kral of Phytoform Labs.

PhD studentship available in Prof. Cathie Martin's lab

To divide or not divide? The importance of division to hair formation in plants.

The project aims to compare regulation of multicellular hair development in tomato with single-celled hair development in Arabidopsis and to establish how the induction of DNA replication without cell division (endoreduplication) came to be the key regulatory step in hair development in Brassica species like Arabidopsis.

Application deadline: 25th November 2019.

Project start date: 1st October 2020.

Read more about this position here.

Group Leader Vacancies

Group leader positions currently available at the John Innes Centre.

John Innes Centre would particularly welcome applicants who are working in the areas of population genetics, chemistry and biology of plants and microbial natural products, cell biology, biotic interactions of plants and the interface of agriculture and the natural environment.

Entry deadline is December 16th 2019.

For more more information visit the website.

Two Research Fellow positions now available at the University of Manchester

The Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub is announcing Research Fellow positions:

We are pleased to announce 2 Future BRH Research fellow positions now available. Based at The University of Manchester these roles will work closely with our Spoke institutions (particularly UCL and Nottingham):

·         Position 1: Upstream Bio-Process scale up interfacing with Metabolic Engineering 

·         Position 2: Techno-economic analysis of new sustainable biomanufacturing processes

·          

The closing date for applications is Monday 7th October.  Read more and apply here.

Developer at a Bristol BioDesign Institute spin-out

Rosa Biotech is looking for a developer:

We are looking for a driven team player to support our journey of redefining biosensing and diagnostics.  Drawing upon input from our scientific research team, you will build and develop statistical/machine-learning (ML) prediction and classification algorithms for Rosa Biotech’s biosensing technology. In addition, we see broader programming and data opportunities for instance in programming its experimental robotics platforms. 

Full job description and person specification here

To apply for this role send your CV and a covering letter to hr@rosabio.tech 

Closing date is 17:00 on Friday 16th August

Project Manager (HE) GPSEP [Maternity Cover], Sainsbury Lab Cambridge

DEPARTMENT/LOCATION: Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge

SALARY: £36,261-£48,677

REFERENCE: PT19452

CATEGORY: Academic-related

PUBLISHED: 5 June 2019

CLOSING DATE: 30 June 2019

Applications are invited for the post of Project Manager Gatsby Plant Science Education Programme (Higher Education) in the Sainsbury Laboratory, to manage a high-profile undergraduate plant science summer school and other post-16 student engagement projects as part of a programme funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.

This post offers an exciting opportunity for those with experience and interest in undergraduate education and post-16 student engagement to build on an existing, successful programme of work. The Gatsby Plant Science Summer School has demonstrable impact on some of the brightest UK biology students, and this post will manage alumni support for graduates of the summer school. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to use their creativity and passion for plant science to devise ways of inspiring future participants in the programme and develop post-16 student plant science engagement activities.

The Gatsby Plant Science Education Programme aims to increase participation and interest in plant science in UK schools and universities, through online resources for students, school and college teachers, support for education professionals, and an annual undergraduate plant science summer school.

Applicants should have a first degree (or equivalent professional experience) in the biological sciences, preferably plant science, with a demonstrable broad knowledge of the UK Higher Education context and experience of a plant science research environment. A broad network of contacts in the plant science and/or science education communities is essential, alongside an understanding of at least one of the following fields: undergraduate bioscience education, evaluation of student engagement. Previous experience of developing partnerships on a national and local scale would be advantageous.

Successful candidates will have excellent project management skills, in addition to experience in managing financial budgets. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required, with the ability to work in a helpful and diplomatic manner with a wide range of people at all levels.

Most importantly, we are looking for a project manager who, working with the current Summer School team will build upon the continuing success of the projects with enthusiasm.

The Laboratory provides a welcoming and collaborative environment with a wide-range of family-friendly benefits and development opportunities. More about the Sainsbury Laboratory, further information for the role and details of what the University offers to employees, can be found at: http://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/.

Start date: The post will be available from 12 August 2019

Maternity cover: This post is fixed-term for one year or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

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.

The interview date is Thursday 11 July 2019.

Further information: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/21876/

Regius Professorship of Botany, Cambridge University

DEPARTMENT/LOCATION: Department of Plant Sciences

REFERENCE: PD17932

CATEGORY: Professorships/Directorships

PUBLISHED: 30 April 2019

CLOSING DATE: 28 June 2019

The Board of Electors to the Regius Professorship of Botany invite applications for this Professorship from persons whose work falls within the general field of the Professorship to take up appointment on 1 January 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter.

This appointment arises at a vibrant time for the study of plant science in Cambridge. The Department seeks to make the appointment of a scientist of outstanding calibre to this prestigious professorship who will have the opportunity to shape the direction and emphasis of plant science research, teaching and impact in Cambridge itself, and provide leadership in the subject nationally and internationally.

Candidates will have an outstanding research record of international stature in plant biology and the vision, leadership, experience and enthusiasm to build on current strengths in maintaining and developing a leading research presence. They will also have a commitment to the recruitment, training and mentoring of the next generation of researchers. They will hold a PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification.

Standard professorial duties include teaching and research, examining, supervision and administration. The Professor will be based in Cambridge. A competitive salary will be offered.

Further information: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/20155/

Research Associate in Plant Sciences (Fixed Term), Cambridge University

DEPARTMENT/LOCATION: Department of Plant Sciences

SALARY: £32,236-£39,609

REFERENCE: PD17760

CATEGORY: Research

PUBLISHED: 10 June 2019

CLOSING DATE: 9 July 2019

A position is open for a Leverhulme Trust-funded postdoctoral research associate based within the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, and supervised by Professor Beverley Glover and Professor Alex Webb.

The appointee will investigate the evolution of the WDR proteins TTG1, LWD1 and LWD2. WDR proteins form a scaffold which supports the interaction of transcription factors, allowing the regulation of diverse suites of downstream genes. Our project aims to compare TTG1 and LWD protein function and identify changes important for their functional specificity. We aim to use mutant analyses to define biological function, in combination with yeast 2-hybrid analyses to determine which proteins are involved in the interacting complexes specifying different outcomes. RNAseq and ChIPseq will be used to establish the downstream targets resulting from the activities of these protein complexes.

We are looking for a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to work in this area. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a strong background in the molecular genetic analysis of Arabidopsis, including a PhD in a relevant area. Experience with some of: mutant analysis, microscopy, RNAseq and ChIPseq will be necessary. Prior experience of yeast 2-hybrid analyses and/or circadian analyses will also be an advantage.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Further information: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/19960/

Programme Manager (Earth Biogenome Project), Earlham Institute, Norwich

Salary range: £39,150 - £47,850

Post No. 1003698

Contract length: 24 months

Department: Faculty

Opening date: 04 June 2019

Closing date: 01 July 2019

Applications are invited for a Programme Manager (Earth Biogenome Project) to join the Research Faculty Office at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

Background:
The Earlham Institute is looking for a Programme Manager to join the new Darwin Tree of Life Programme that aims to sequence the genomes of 66,000 known species of animals, plants, protozoa and fungi in the UK. This is part of a global effort (Earth Biogenome Project) to sequence the genomes of 1.5 million species on Earth.

Work at the Earlham Institute will focus on analysing genomes to further our understanding of evolutionary processes that drive biodiversity in populations and ecosystems. We are also involved in applying genomics to the conservation and management of valuable ecosystems and to the sustainable use of biodiversity for public good.

EI is seeking a highly skilled Programme Manager to support the Institute’s involvement in the Earth Biogenome Project - a global, collaborative initiative which aims to sequence the genomes of all species of life on Earth in the next 10-20 years.

The role:
The role will be key in the application for further funding to expand our engagement in these UK and global projects. This is a diverse, vital role and an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to move away from the bench into full time project management or seeking to move to project management in this exciting area of research.

This varied and dynamic role will involve providing high quality project management for activities in the Research Faculty Office in all aspects of implementing the Institute research strategy, taking responsibility for spearheading new activities.

The ideal candidate:
To be considered for this post, applicants must possess a PhD in a relevant scientific field. Candidates should have excellent experience of managing complex research programmes/projects and a working knowledge of project management productivity tools. Financial management experience is desirable.

Candidates should have prior experience of working in an academic environment and have a good track record of scientific writing. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to draft scientific documents is essential for this post. Candidates should be resilient, adaptable, organised and able to work well as part of a team.

Additional information:
Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,150 to £47,850 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full time post for a contract of 2 years.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking job share, part time or alternative working patterns.

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

Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Plant Metabolic Diversity), Earlham Institute, Norwich

Salary range: £31,250 - £38,100

Post No. 1003678

Contract length: 18 months

Department: Engineering Biology

Opening date: 04 June 2019

Closing date: 01 July 2019

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Plant Metabolic Diversity) to join the Patron Lab at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK. In collaboration with the Osbourn Lab at the John Innes Centre, this project will be linked to the Darwin Tree of Life Project, which aims to sequence all known UK eukaryotes.

Background:
The Earlham Institute is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Plant Metabolic Diversity) to join the new Darwin Tree of Life Programme that aims to sequence the genomes of 66,000 known species of animals, plants, protozoa and fungi in the UK.

Work at the Earlham Institute will focus on analysing genomes to further our understanding of evolutionary processes that drive biodiversity in populations and ecosystems. We are also involved in applying genomics to the conservation and management of valuable ecosystems and to the sustainable use of biodiversity for public good.

EI is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Plant Metabolic Diversity) to support the Institute’s involvement in the Earth Biogenome Project a global, collaborative initiative which aims to sequence the genomes of 1.5 million species of life on Earth in the next 10-20 years.

The role:
This project will generate and compare genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets for a group of related plant species. The scientist will be responsible for conducting comparative analyses with the aim of exploring the genetic basis of metabolic diversity and identifying genes responsible for the presence of target metabolites.

They will work in collaboration with other scientists at the Earlham Institute and John Innes Centre to characterise candidate genes, with the eventual aim of enabling biological production of novel, high-value metabolites.

The ideal candidate:
The candidate must have a PhD in Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Bioinformatics or a related subject.

The project would suit either a molecular biologist or biochemist experienced in the analysis of RNA-seq/metabolomic datasets, or a bioinformatician interested in applying their expertise to understanding metabolic diversification in plants. The candidate must be motivated and interested in the application of innovative technologies to natural product biology.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £31,250 - £38,100 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full time post for a contract of 18 months.

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

Postdoctoral Researcher (Osbourn Lab), John Innes Centre, Norwich

Closes: 27th June 2019 

Salary: £31,250 to £38,100 depending on qualifications and experience 

Contract: Full time until 31 March 2021.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a collaborative project between the laboratories of Professor Anne Osbourn (John Innes Centre) and Dr Yang Bai (Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Beijing).

The successful candidate will be based at the John Innes Centre but will also visit Dr Bai’s lab at IGDB to carry out key aspects of this work relating to microbiome analysis.

This project is funded by the John Innes Centre – Chinese Academy of Sciences Centre of Excellence in Plant and Microbial Science Alliance (CEPAMS).

The role

Building on recently published work from the Osbourn and Bai labs (‘A specialized metabolic network selectively modulates Arabidopsis root microbiota’ Science 10 May 2019:Vol. 364, Issue 6440, eaau6389), the successful candidate will investigate the impact of the environment on production of host metabolites that sculpt root microbial communities. Specifically, they will:

1. Use available in silico transcriptome resources to investigate the expression of Arabidopsis biosynthetic gene clusters in roots in response to different abiotic and biotic stresses and verify the effects of different environmental conditions on gene expression experimentally by qPCR.  The impact of different environmental stresses on root microbial communities in wild type Arabidopsis will be established by root microbiome sequencing. The impact of mutation/overexpression of triterpene pathway genes on root microbiota establishment and plant fitness under different environmental conditions will then be investigated

2. Carry out in vitro tests of the effects of purified Arabidopsis root triterpenes on the growth of representative bacterial strains cultured from the Arabidopsis soil microbiota and evaluate the effects of different microbial strains on plant growth and development

3. Investigate the impact of different triterpenes (avenacins) on root microbiome establishment in oat using a suite of available thoroughly characterised avenacin pathway mutants. These experiments will reveal the role of the avenacin pathway in regulating oat root microbiota and enable comparisons to be made with findings for Arabidopsis

The ideal candidate

The post holder will work independently and ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in plant biology or microbiology and extensive experience of plant and/or microbial genetics and molecular biology. Experience of plant stress biology, and/or microbiome analysis are desirable.  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Additional information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £31,250 to £38,100 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  This is a full time post available until 31 March 2021.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found here or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk  quoting reference 1003704.  Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. The John Innes Centre is also proud to hold a Gold Award from Athena SWAN and is a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The closing date for applications will be 27 June 2019.  

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Postdoctoral Researcher (Smith Lab), John Innes Centre, Norwich

Closes: 4th July 2019 

Salary: £31,250 - £38,100 per annum depending on qualifications and experience 

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Laboratory of Professor Alison Smith.

Background

Starch in the endosperm of cereal seeds is the single largest source of calories in the human diet, and an important raw material for industry. Despite its importance we know very little about how starch granules are formed during endosperm development. It is apparent that the temporal and spatial patterns of initiation of starch granules have diverged and diversified enormously during the 66 million years of evolution of the Pooideae subfamily to which temperate cereals and forage grasses belong.

The project will be conducted in the Alison Smith lab, in close collaboration with the David Seung lab. Both labs have strong interests and expertise in molecular, genetic and biochemical aspects of the synthesis and turnover of starch in model and crop plants, and access to a wide range of other expertise and technologies that may be necessary for the project.

The project is a collaboration with Steve Kelly and his team in Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, who have expertise in comparative transcriptomics analyses.

The role

The aim of this project is to identify the genetic basis of starch granule diversity in endosperms, using techniques including screens of mutant populations, transgenesis, cell biology and microscopy, and modelling.

The postholder will use a range of visualisation and quantitation techniques to deduce how different spatial and temporal patterns of starch granule formation arise during seed development. They will work alongside and collaborate with a researcher using transcriptomic and bioinformatic approach to identify genes that underlie seed starch diversity

The post holder will be encouraged to attend courses in technical and professional skills, to travel to national and international meetings, and to present their discoveries to internal and external audiences.

The ideal candidate

Applicants must have a background that includes plant biochemistry/metabolism, genetics and molecular biology. Experience of working with cereals or grasses and with transgenic plants is desirable. The project requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Additional information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £31,250 to £38,100 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  This is a fulltime contract of 3 years.

Interviews will be held on 22 July 2019.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found here. Or contact our Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk, quoting reference 1003664.

Facility Manager, Edinburgh Genome Foundry

Are you keen to develop your project and people management skills in one of the most fast moving areas of biomedical research: lab automation and synthetic biology?

We are looking for a molecular biologist, with extensive project and people management skills, to drive forward an automated genome assembly platform – Edinburgh’s Genome Foundry.

The Foundry is a world-leading facility, based within the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, devoted to the design and building of DNA constructs and provision of a wide range of laboratory automation services. The Facility Manager at Edinburgh Genome Foundry will be responsible for the implementation of the Foundry’s business strategy, the effective management of its projects, people, resources and budgets.

This is a unique opportunity to apply and develop your skills within an exciting, challenging and collaborative work environment.

This post is offered on a full time, open ended basis.

Salary: £40,792 - £48,677

For further Information, please contact Dr Liz Fletcher (liz.fletcher@ed.ac.uk)

Closing date is 25 June 2019 at 5 pm.

For the full job description and to apply, visit:

https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=048000