Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
An exciting opportunity for an Independent Fellowship in Plant-Associated Microbial Interactions has arisen at the John Innes Centre.
Create and lead an internationally excellent, independent discovery programme in microbial or fungal communities and their interactions with hosts, particularly where these interactions have beneficial effects on plant & soil health, with the potential to underpin increased agricultural sustainability.
Key Relationships
The post holder will work closely with the Director, Senior Management team and scientists within JIC and other stakeholders across the NRP.
Internal: Work collaboratively with all levels of staff within the Institute to enhance the Institute's research and capabilities.
External: Work collaboratively with staff on the NRP, academic and industry collaborators, funding bodies, Government and other stakeholders to enhance the Institute's research and capabilities.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Lead and manage an internationally recognised, high-profile and innovative research programme in the field of microbial interactions.Make significant contributions to the strategic thinking and planning of research.Lead and manage a research team, taking responsibility for its outputs and impact. This will include selecting, supervising, mentoring, training and providing wellbeing support for postdoctoral researchers, technicians, students and visitors, supporting effective career development, maintaining high levels of performance in the team, and maintaining a positive research culture.Disseminate research findings through the publication of peer-reviewed research papers, consolidate the Institute's international scientific reputation through participation in national and internal conferences and provision of expert commentary in a variety of media.Submit grant proposals across a broad range of potential funders, securing substantial research funding to support the research programme.Ensure that research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with best practice, institute Policies and Procedures and legal requirements.Ensure that the research team complies with health and safety policy and guidance documents, and with quality assurance and data management procedures.Manage the research group’s budgets for consumables, grants and other funding, making cost-effective use of resources and minimising waste.Enhance the wider social and economic impact of the institute's research through influencing and developing partnerships and commercial opportunities with government, industry and other external parties.Positively contribute to the effective leadership and management of the institute, through additional responsibilities, including committee and steering group membership, as and when required.Commit to public engagement/science communication activities that raise the institute's profile and public awareness of science.Act as an ambassador for the institute.
Any other duties that may be required, which are commensurate with the role of Group Leader.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementImportancePhD or equivalent in relevant subjectEssentialSubstantial postdoctoral research experienceEssential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementImportanceSignificant track-record of internationally competitive research achievement, supported by a strong publication record in peer reviewed journalsEssentialAbility to formulate and lead a research programme that will deliver innovative, world-class science in molecular host-microbes interactions or a related fieldEssentialKnowledge of JIC/NRP research fields, underpinning an explanation of the benefits of locating the proposed research programme at JICEssentialDeep and broad understanding of the scientific background of the proposed research programmeEssentialCapacity to envisage and articulate the longer-term objectives and impact of the proposed research programmeEssentialMeasures of esteem such as international invited talks, editorial appointments, membership of external grant or appointments panels etcDesirableSuccess in leading research and initiating interdisciplinary collaborationsDesirable
Relevant Experience
RequirementImportanceDemonstrated ability to plan and prioritise to ensure scientific ideas translate into delivery of research outcomesEssentialDemonstrated commitment to the highest levels of integrity and best practice in science and scientific managementEssentialEvidence of winning external funding for the maintenance of a successful and sustainable research teamDesirableExperience of motivating, managing and mentoring team members, including objective setting and regular informal and formal reviews of progressDesirableResearch project leadership and management experience in stand-alone and collaborative projectsDesirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementImportanceStrong team player that can work with different skill sets to reach a common goal, sharing information and supporting colleaguesEssentialEffective and appropriate communication with people at all levels both inside and outside the InstituteEssentialDevelopment and articulation of innovative approaches and cohesive scientific plansEssentialOpen-minded, determined and resilient approach to scientific planning and managementEssentialCreation and fostering collaborative research networksEssential
Additional Requirements
RequirementImportanceExhibits a high level of motivation combined with a flexible approachEssentialPromotes equality and values diversity, embraces the expected values and behaviours of all staff, ensuring the institute is a great place to workEssentialExhibits enthusiasm for an immediate or future role in leading and developing JIC science and values, both within the Institute and further afieldEssentialAttention to detailEssentialAbility to travel nationally/internationally to facilitate collaborations and/or present seminars. (Reasonable adjustments will be considered as we recognise the need for work-life balance and the need to support those with caring responsibilities),EssentialPromotes equality and values diversityEssential
Who We Are
John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.
Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.
We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).
Department
Molecular Microbiology
Our holistic approach integrates cellular physiology, molecular genetics (including functional genomics), biochemistry and structural biology. In the Department of Molecular Microbiology we study bacterial metabolism, physiology, gene regulation and development, and plant-bacterial interactions. Major themes of our work on Gram-negative bacteria are the molecular basis of signal transduction in response to various environmental signals and studies on the biology of ammonia channel proteins which are conserved in all domains of life.
The Department's comprehensive Streptomyces programme, studying antibiotic production, morphological differentiation and stress responses, is underpinned by the newly-acquired genome sequence of the model species S. coelicolor, and cutting-edge techniques in functional genomics. Another major research area is the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis where our studies range from bacterial quorum-sensing and plant-bacterial signalling interactions to the developmental responses of plants to their microbial symbionts.
The Department capitalises on the John Innes Centre's emerging strengths in functional genomics, structural biology and advanced cytological techniques, as well as exploiting novel links between research on bacterial and plant processes.
Group Details
You will work alongside a diverse community of researchers across various disciplines, including expertise in molecular biology, mathematics, chemistry and biochemistry, microscopy and structural biology, as well as plant and microbial scientists, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages strategic input at all levels. JIC offers substantial support for professional development, research, and administrative tasks. Start-up research funding will be provided, in addition to well-funded facilities and extensive support.
Our scientific departments work across a range of disciplines, providing internal clusters of expertise within the institute who will be able to support and advise on specialised aspects of the candidate’s day-to-day research. The successful candidate will be able to align to the department that best fits their scientific programme.
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