Research Technician in Root Fungal Interactions

We are working with agronomy firm ADAS to understand how crops can be protected from fungal pathogens using a range of approaches. As part of this project we are aiming to detect ‘latent’ pathogens in crop sample during the growing season in real-time, allowing farmers to optimize fungicide spraying times. We are also aiming to increase understanding of interactions between crops and soil-borne pathogens (clubroot, take-all) for which there is currently no formal resistance or effective fungicidal treatment. Working in the Bennett lab, you will focus on understanding crop-pathogen interactions at a molecular level, at a whole-plant level, and in field contexts. In a lab context, two major pathogenesis systems will be used in this project; wheat/take-all and oilseed/clubroot. Different wheat and oilseed varieties will be screened for their resistance to take-all or clubroot under lab conditions. Tolerant lines will then be analysed using molecular biology and imaging techniques to identify root system architecture parameters and associated genes that may contribute to protection in crop species. You will also develop techniques for the detection of latent fungal pathogens in crop samples from the field using PCR, to provide real-time updates on conditions in the field during the growth season.

You will be educated to degree level, BTEC higher level or equivalent or equivalent experience and will have experience of working with wheat, oilseed and their fungal pathogens. You will also be required to travel to, and work at the University farm, as required.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: Dr Tom Bennett, University Academic Fellow in Molecular Plant Science

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 8614, email: t.a.bennett@leeds.ac.uk