Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Prof Saskia Hogenhout (twitter: @SaskiaHogenhout) at the John Innes Centre (JIC) to study molecular processes in host-pathogen interactions.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to discover how an obligate bacterial plant pathogen modulates host development and immunity.

Our established system involves phytoplasmas that are insect-vectored plant pathogens. Phytoplasmas have the remarkable ability to dramatically alter plant development by modulating host cellular pathways, leading to, for example, leaf and stem proliferations, delayed aging and increased longevity. The resulting ‘Zombie plants’ (Nature Microbiology Reviews, New York Times) are under complete control of the phytoplasmas. We found that the phytoplasma virulence proteins are amazing tools to uncover cellular processes, including a novel way of targeted protein degradation, in diverse organisms, including humans. See the following recent publications for more information: Huang et al. 2021 (10.1016/j.cell.2021.08.029) Liu et al. 2023 (10.1073/pnas.2310664120) and Correa Marrero et al. 2024 (10.1111/tpj.16546).

The successful applicant will functionally analyse phytoplasma effectors and their targets in plant hosts and insect vectors. They will use biochemical and biophysical experiments in answering key questions such as: How do phytoplasma effectors bind and modulate specific host targets and how have these proteins evolved?

You must have or be close to finishing a PhD in molecular biology or a similar subject. Knowledge of cell- and microbiology, biochemistry and plant genetics are essential. Practical experience in recombinant DNA technology, protein engineering, plant stable/transient transformation techniques, and studying molecular processes in plant-biotic interactions, such as function-structure analyses of microbial effectors/virulence proteins and their targets, are required.

You will be part of a basic research environment that involves sharing outcomes via the writing of publications and reports. You will give research presentations at group, institute and (inter)national meetings.

You will have to work well within a collaborative team and have an interest in effectively communicating and sharing technologies and discoveries within this team and in campus/institute-wide expert and interest groups. You will be offered opportunities to teach, participate in student supervisory committees and outreach activities, and to engage with industry, entrepreneurs and investors.

About the Hogenhout Group:

The Hogenhout group at the John Innes Centre focuses on understanding the mechanisms that drive interactions between plants and insects and the role of microbes in these interactions. We use a range of molecular, biochemical, cellular biology and bio-imaging techniques to study processes in live cells and whole organisms along with biophysical techniques to analyse and engineer protein-protein interactions.

Additional information:

Interviews will be held on 19 June 2024.

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 1004657 . 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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