An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Ding Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Cell and Developmental Biology.

About the Ding Group

The Ding group develops cutting-edge experimental and computational technologies to uncover how RNA structure controls transcription, RNA processing, translation, and degradation. The group combines in vivo RNA structuromics, single-molecule approaches, and artificial intelligence to reveal fundamental regulatory mechanisms and translate them into applications in crop resilience and RNA therapeutics. Ultimately, the group aims to build an RNA-based molecular design framework that enables precise engineering of gene expression for agriculture and beyond.

The role

We are seeking an outstanding, highly motivated researcher to join the group of Professor Yiliang Ding at the John Innes Centre (JIC) in Norwich, UK.
The successful candidate will lead an internationally competitive research programme focused on the development and application of plant-specific artificial intelligence (AI) and bioinformatic approaches to understand RNA- and DNA-mediated gene regulation.

This role will involve the design, development, and application of next-generation AI models for RNA and DNA, with a particular emphasis on uncovering functional sequence and structural motifs. A key focus will be on RNA splicing and export mechanisms, especially those governed by RNA structure and dynamics.

You will work at the interface of AI, RNA biology, and plant sciences, contributing to a rapidly evolving research direction aimed at decoding regulatory principles across multiple biological scales.

The successful candidate will work closely with experimental researchers in the Ding lab to ensure tight integration between computational predictions and experimental validation, enabling rapid hypothesis testing and high-impact publications.

In addition, you will:

• Collaborate extensively with experimentalists in the Ding lab
• Engage with computational partners across the Norwich Research Park (NRP)
• Build connections with international collaborators in RNA biology, AI, and plant science

This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a world-leading interdisciplinary environment that combines cutting-edge AI methods with state-of-the-art experimental RNA biology.

The ideal candidate

You will have a PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in molecular biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, RNA biology, or a related discipline, with strong computational biology and machine learning experience applied to RNA/DNA research, particularly RNA structure.

A track record of independent research, scientific writing, and presentations is essential. Experience preparing grant applications and managing research activities is highly desirable. Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment, are required.

Additional information

Interviews are planned for 6 May 2026.

For further information and details of how to apply can be found here or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006092.

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.

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.

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