Postdoctoral Researcher (Seung Group)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Seung Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Biochemistry and Metabolism.
About the Seung Group:
Dr Seung’s research group aims to develop a full molecular understanding of how plants make starch. The group’s current research has several sub-objectives:
• Understand the mechanism of starch granule initiation
• Identify genes that underpin diversity in starch granule morphology and composition
• Develop novel approaches to improve the quality of starch crops.
The team maintains a vibrant and stimulating research atmosphere – currently consisting of three postdoctoral scientists, four postgraduate students and two research assistants. We regularly host projects for undergraduate and Masters students.
More information about the group can be found here.
The role:
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a BBSRC-funded project, which aims to explore the commercial applications of novel wheat germplasm developed in the Seung lab for the food and industrial starch sectors. Through the analysis of the germplasm, they will discover how variation in starch granule structure and morphology impacts processing, as well as functional and nutritional quality.
This will reveal exciting new knowledge on structure-function relationships in the context of starch and grain quality. They will be responsible for conducting field trials with the material. The postholder will be responsible for liaising with several commercial partners on the project, who will test the materials in specific applications.
The ideal candidate:
The successful applicant must have prior research experience in starch research, including the analysis of functional and nutritional quality.
They will have a BSc or equivalent in biology, and a PhD that focuses on starch science. Candidates will have in-depth knowledge of plant biochemistry (with focus on the biochemistry of seeds, grains or tubers), and a demonstrated ability to generate high quality data on starch traits.
Given the highly collaborative nature of this project, it is essential that you value teamwork.
Additional information:
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.jic.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004923. 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.