Postdoctoral Researcher

The John Innes Centre; Norwich; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in plant sciences is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate how stress signals move through plant tissues. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Biological Sciences and experience in metabolomics, live-cell imaging, and data analysis. This role includes planning and conducting experiments, publishing research findings, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. The position offers an annual salary of £37,500 to £40,600, and is based in Norwich, UK.

Qualifications

• PhD must be either obtained or expected within 6 months.
• Essential skills in metabolomics and/or proteomics.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas.

Responsibilities

• Identify, plan, and carry out experiments.
• Disseminate findings through publications and presentations.
• Collaborate in the development of world-class research.

Skills

Laboratory skills in metabolomics

Live cell imaging

Data analysis and statistics

Gene expression analysis

Plant molecular biology

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Biological Sciences

BSc in Biological Sciences

Job description

Hours per week 37 Project Title Apoplastic signalling in plant stress responses Months Duration 24

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

The Postdoctoral Researcher will undertake research to identify how stress signals move through tissues to execute multicellular responses. For this, the Postdoctoral Researcher will use proteomic, transcriptomic, cell biology and genetic analysis to both characterise the dynamics of different stress responses. They will work independently to produce data and critically analyse this data, and by keeping up to date with current developments in the field, contribute insights and ideas that help develop the project. This research is part of a large-scale, multidisciplinary programme and therefore the Postdoctoral Researcher will be an active and collaborative member of a larger team.

Key Relationships

The PDRA will be an active member of the Faulkner group and interact with all members of that team. The PDRA will also interact with researchers across JIC and TSL as a member of the Cell and Developmental Biology Department and of the Advancing Plant Health Institute Strategic Programme, and with the relevant support teams such as Horticulture, Bioimaging, Proteomics and Metabolomics. The PDRA will also have responsibility for liaising with external collaborators to expand the research programme.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project (80%)
• Disseminate research findings through publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media, and in presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings (5%)
• Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute and externally in the development of original and world‑class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications (5%)
• Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence (5%)
• As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees (5%)

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) in Biological Sciences Essential BSc or equivalent in Biological Sciences Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Evidence of laboratory skills in metabolomics and/or proteomics Essential Skills and experience in live cell imaging Essential Experience in data analysis and statistics Essential Gene expression analysis and RNA sequencing Essential Evidence of experience in plant molecular biology Essential

Requirement Importance Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas Essential Proven record in scientific writing Essential Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experiments creatively Essential Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students Desirable Preparing data / information for grant proposals Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders Essential Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures Essential Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars Essential

Who We Are

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on [phone] or [e-mail].

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Cell & Developmental Biology

Development continues throughout the life of the plant. While many linear pathways affecting development have been discovered and are illustrated by elegant genetic studies, the challenge of the future will be for us to understand how these developmental pathways are integrated, both with themselves as well as with environmental signals, to enable a mature plant to grow from a seed. Guided by evolutionary principles, the Department uses its knowledge of biological processes obtained in laboratory organisms such as Arabidopsis to understand processes in crop plants such as Brassicas and cereals. To study this interaction of the plant genome with internal developmental networks and the environment, the Department uses a combination of genetic, cell biological, molecular and evolutionary strategies. The insights we are gaining provide both an increasingly detailed knowledge of the proteins involved in diverse regulatory mechanisms and a conceptual framework in which this knowledge can be related and eventually integrated into a molecular description of plant cell function. The knowledge the department is creating is relevant to agriculture. Genes that control plant stature, form, over-wintering responses and growth are potentially useful for improving crop performance.

The Faulkner laboratory focuses on the role of intercellular communication in plant immune and stress responses. Cell-to-cell communication is a fundamental biological process, necessary for coordination of development and environmental responses in multicellular organisms. The group studies different mechanisms of signal transmission and response, in immune and stress contexts, to determine how cellular processes integrate to produce multicellular and whole organism responses.

Postdoctoral Researcher Salary: £37,500 – £40,600 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. Contract: 24 months, full-time Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK. Closing date: 12 January 2026 Reference: 1005011

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Faulkner Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting‑edge science in the field of Cell & Developmental Biology. About the John Innes Centre: The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity‑led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet sets out our ambitious long‑term goals for the game‑changing impact of our science globally. Our employees enjoy access to state‑of‑the‑art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre. About the Faulkner Group: The Faulkner laboratory focuses on the role of intercellular communication in plant immune and stress responses. Cell‑to‑cell communication is a fundamental biological process, necessary for coordination of development and environmental responses in multicellular organisms. The group studies different mechanisms of signal transmission and response, in immune and stress contexts, to determine how cellular processes integrate to produce multicellular and whole organism responses. The role: The Postdoctoral Researcher will conduct research on how signals are transmitted through plant tissue to initiate responses. The researcher will conduct innovative research to identify and characterise apoplast‑transmitted signals involved in stress responses. They will use a variety of cell biological, gene expression, metabolomic and genetic analyses to generate data and formulate new hypotheses regarding how cell‑to‑cell communication defines the transmission of a signal and the response that is executed. The ideal candidate: The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in Biological Sciences and will have skills in plant molecular biology, metabolomics and/or proteomics and experience in live cell imaging. They will also have demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas along with a proven record in statistical analysis, scientific writing and oral presentations. Skills in gene expression analysis and RNA sequencing would be advantageous. The ideal candidate will be able to work both independently and be a collaborative team member. They will have excellent communication and organisational skills. Additional information: This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options. 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. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme. The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant‑aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.