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Postdoctoral Researcher - population genetics: UK

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Laboratory of Dr Diane Saunders at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.

The Saunders Group

The Saunders group focuses on studying (re-)emerging plant pathogens that pose significant threats to UK agriculture. We use an array of different approaches, integrating molecular genetics, microbiology, plant pathology, population genetics, genomics and data mining to improve our understanding of how pathogens cause disease. For instance, we have numerous projects studying the wheat yellow rust pathogen, Puccinia striiformis f. sp tritici.

The Role

The appointee will apply a “field pathogenomics” approach, which was developed in the Saunders group, to undertake comprehensive global population genetic analyses of the wheat yellow rust pathogen (Hubbard et al., Genome Biology 2015, 16:23). This pathogen possesses a significant threat to wheat production in all major wheat-growing areas of the world and has recently re-emerged as a major constraint on UK agriculture.

The appointee will generate next-generation sequencing datasets from infected field samples and explore associations and track dispersal on a national and international scale. The work will involve an array of techniques in population genetics, evolutionary biology and next-generation sequencing technologies.

This is a very exciting opportunity for the applicant to join a multi-national and multi-institutional project to address key questions in pathogen evolution, dispersal and adaptation.

The Ideal Candidate

Candidates should possess a PhD in population genomics or similar subject. They should have experience of population genetic analysis on large complex data sets, and strong bioinformatic skills. Experience of giving oral research presentations is essential, and experience of supervising and mentoring students is desirable.

Additional Information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £31,250 to £38,100 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a fulltime contract for a period of two years.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found here, or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk  quoting reference 1003496.

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. The John Innes Centre is also proud to hold a Gold Award from Athena SWAN and is a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

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