Research Fellow - Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR)

Job Purpose

The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) was established in 2013 thanks to a private donation, in order to address the fundamental issues that are challenging forests. The Institute works to address two major challenges: the impact of climate and environmental change on woodlands, and the resilience of trees to invasive pests and pathogens.These areas of research are pivotal to the successful long-term management of forests globally, and to safeguard their roles as providers of the environmental services which are key to our prosperity and survival.

As part of the BIFoR initiative, the University of Birmingham seeks to appoint a two 3-year Postdoctoral Research Fellows to work in a JABBS-funded project under the umbrella of the Action Oak initiative. Reporting to group leaders Dr Luna-Diez and Dr Kettles, and BIFoR director Prof Spence, the post-holders will work towards maximising the oak tree defence capacity to provide broad-spectrum protection from pathogens.

The postholder will create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within this established research program, working within specified research grants and projects and contributing to writing bids. They will analyse and interpret research findings and results, contribute to generating funding and contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success and public understanding of the discipline. This position will specifically explore the genetic, molecular and biochemical mechanisms of priming of defence in the resistance of oak trees against different pathogens. In addition, the fellow will study how environmental changes, in particular elevated CO2, alter the resistance response and how resistance mechanisms change with developmental stages.

Person Specification

• First degree and a higher degree relevant to research area (e.g. Biological Sciences, Plant Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Forestry) or equivalent qualifications
• Hold, or be close to completion of, higher degree relevant to research area
• Strong academic publication track-record
• Experience in tree research is highly desirable
• Ability to perform field work
• Ability to work in an organised manner for the collection, storing, analysing and interpreting of large sample sets
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant techniques and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• Teamwork and a collaborative attitude are required
• Experience in metabolomics is desirable

Closing Date 30 May 2019

Additional Information

Informal enquiries to Dr Estrella Luna Diez, e.lunadiez@bham.ac.uk 0121 414 8699

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.