An opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the group of Dr Hassan Salem at the John Innes Centre in the Department of Molecular Microbiology. This post is funded by a European Research Council (ERC) grant.

About the Salem Group

The Salem Group studies the evolution, function, and adaptive consequences of herbivore–microbe symbioses. Our research focuses on how extracellular bacterial symbionts upgrade host digestive physiology, enable dietary specialization, thereby facilitating herbivory.

The Role

The candidate will investigate the developmental basis of symbiosis in beetles, focusing on how symbiotic organs form, mature, and are maintained across host life stages.

This role will include:
• Characterizing the developmental origin and morphogenesis of symbiotic organs that house bacterial symbionts, from embryo through to adult.
• Applying tissue- and cell-type-specific transcriptomic and genomic approaches to symbiotic organs across developmental stages.
• Using functional genetic tools, including RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9, and microinjection, to manipulate host developmental pathways and test their role in symbiont acquisition and organ formation.

• Applying confocal microscopy, whole-mount and cross-sectional fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunostaining to visualize symbiont colonization and host tissue differentiation.
• Integrating developmental, molecular, and evolutionary data to understand how host development has been shaped by symbiosis.
• Disseminating results through preprints, publications, conference presentations, and mentoring of students.

The ideal Candidate

You will have a PhD (or equivalent) in developmental biology, entomology, molecular biology, evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), or microbiology, or a related discipline.

The successful candidate will have:
• Experience with insect developmental biology techniques, such as microinjection, in situ hybridization, and live imaging.
• Experience with functional genetic manipulation (e.g., RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9) in insects, ideally non-model species.
• Proficiency in confocal microscopy and image analysis software (e.g., Fiji/ImageJ, Imaris).
• Experience with RNA-seq or spatial/tissue-specific transcriptomics analysis, ideally in non-model organisms.
• Strong computational skills for biological data analysis (preferably R and/or Python).
• Demonstrated ability to develop independent, hypothesis-driven research at the interface of development and symbiosis.

You will also have excellent communication skills, experience mentoring students or visitors, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Additional information

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 1006173.

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.

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