An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Seung and Osbourn Groups at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism.

About the Groups

This post holder will be based in both David Seung and Anne Osbourn groups, which are in the Biochemistry and Metabolism department of the John Innes Centre.

David Seung’s group has expertise in the biology and biotechnology of starch crops. Anne Osbourn’s group has expertise in natural product chemistry and synthetic biology of plants. Our teams are multidisciplinary and maintain a vibrant and stimulating research atmosphere, consisting of postdoctoral scientists, postgraduate students, and research assistants. We regularly host projects for undergraduate students. We collaborate extensively with other research groups at JIC, as well those based at other institutes within the UK and abroad.

The role

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to be based at the John Innes Centre, working as part of a large cross-institute, multidisciplinary project that aims to develop artificial chromosome technology and synthetic biology tools in potato.

The postholder will be based in both the Seung and Osbourn labs in the Biochemistry and Metabolism department. As part of a broader goal to engineer synthetic chromosomes in plants, they will innovate methods for large DNA delivery and assembly in plant cells. Approaches could include transfer of DNA from yeast to plant cells, protoplast fusion, as well as traditional Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Additionally, the postholder will work together with other scientists on the project to develop and deliver synthetic gene clusters that are designed to optimise nutritional and yield traits in potato.

They will work in close collaboration with researchers at Earlham Institute and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

The ideal candidate

The successful applicant must have prior research experience in the biotechnology of potato (or other Solanaceae crops). They must be familiar with methods of tissue culture. Prior experience with protoplast handling and cell sorting is desirable. They must have solid background knowledge on plant genetics. Given the highly collaborative nature of this project, it is essential that the candidate values teamwork.

They will have a BSc or equivalent in biology, and a PhD in plant science. Candidates will have in-depth knowledge of plant genetics and biotechnology.

Additional information

Interviews will be held week commencing 31 March 2025.

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.

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 1004857.

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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