Research Fellow

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking research into the basis of heterogeneity in the germination of Arabidopsis and lettuce seeds in conjunction with industrial partner Rijk Zwaan.

Scope of Role

• Achieves the aims and goals of the grant, namely to uncover mechanisms regulating heterogeneity in seed germination
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Generate data for publication
• Interact with industrial partner Rijk Zwaan for the duration of the project.
• The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below:
• Carry out research, including Arabidopsis and lettuce molecular genetics, physiology, confocal microscopy and computational analyses as required by grant objectives, under the overall supervision of Professor George Bassel.
• Day to day responsibility for the conduct and satisfactory progress of the research.
• To manage the day-to-day research objectives of the associated technician who will be hired as part of the project, under the overall supervision of Professor George Bassel.
• Contribute ideas and be involved with the longer term planning of the project in consultation with Dr. Bassel.
• Keep meticulous digital and hard copy experimental records using each a paper and an online wiki-based notebook.
• Use computational software to analyse inferred networks and perform quantitative analyses of 3D reconstructions of plant cells.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to knowledge transfer on own specialism that is of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader.
• Attend and participate in meetings by Skype and conference call with international collaborators.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.

Person Specification

• PhD in the area of plant biology Plant molecular genetics.
• Confocal microscopy.
• Molecular Cloning.
• Computer skills including programming.
• Plant cell biology.
• Ability to design, execute and write up experimental work independently and to troubleshoot failed experiments.
• Ability to deal with quantitative aspects of plant growth and development.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently as required.
• Willingness to learn new experimental/intellectual techniques, in particular new computer programs.
• Motivation and commitment.
• Good time management skills, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Able to communicate effectively with supervisors and collaborators.
• An understanding of the issues of confidentiality and to conduct themselves in a manner that protects any confidential information in their possession.