Postdoctoral Researcher (Sablowski Group)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Sablowski Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Cell and Developmental Biology.
About the Sablowski Group
The Sablowski lab works on the genetics and cell biology of meristem and early organ development in the model plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana. The team is relatively small (6-7 members), collaborative and led by a supervisor who is active at the bench. Reflecting the quality of their research and training, a large fraction of the postdocs who worked in the team moved up to long-term research positions in academia or industry.
Recent work in the group has focused on the genetic control of cell size. From bacteria to humans, cell size is important for many processes, including exchange of nutrients and signals, cell division and the function of specialised cells. However, how cells achieve and maintain their genetically controlled size has been a long-standing mystery. The Sablowski team has shown that in meristem cells, DNA content is used as a reference to adjust cell cycle progression to cell size (doi:10.1126/science.abb4348). The aims of the next phase of this project include revealing how the size of specialised cells is regulated, particularly in the stomatal lineage, and the functional relevance of cell size control.
The role
Within the broad aims of the project, the post holder will design, execute, and interpret experiments to test hypotheses, then propose and test their own hypotheses, informed by results. The post holder will also be responsible for the analysis, curation and effective sharing of their data, will communicate the results though papers and in conferences, will help with shared lab tasks and train new lab members.
The ideal candidate
You will have a PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in molecular biology, cell biology or a related discipline. The ideal candidate will have a rigorous, analytical, and creative mind, passion for curiosity-driven science and research experience in molecular cell biology and/or developmental genetics.
Additional information
Interviews will be held during the first half of January 2026.
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 1004984. 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.