Funding End Date 30 Sep 2035 Hours per week 37 Project Title Investigate the RNA structure-function relationship that governs RNA export from the nucleus, how this changes with external conditions, and its importance in plant-pathogen interactions. Months Duration 72
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The post-holder will run an independent research project to investigate the RNA structure-function relationship that governs RNA export from the nucleus, how this changes with external conditions, and its importance in plant-pathogen interactions. The post-holder will develop cell biological techniques specific to studying RNA export, including single-molecule DNA/RNA imaging. They will monitor a fast-moving international field and keep the Ding group and JIC on the cutting edge of cell biology technology. They will maintain close interaction with computationalists in the Ding lab, ensuring that their predictions are validated experimentally in an efficient manner. The Senior Postdoctoral Researcher will deputise for the Group Leader when needed and contribute to the smooth running of the group, including effective use of resources, budget management, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence.
Key Relationships
Yiliang Ding is the PI of the group, but this encompasses three sub-groups with different scientific goals. The post-holder will report to Yiliang Ding but will be responsible for daily supervision of 2 research assistants and 1 PhD student who make up the nuclear export team. They will also provide daily support and supervision to other members of the group, which could include PhD students, postdocs and short-term visiting workers. They will manage all the Ding lab plant transformation experiments through their supervision of the RAs, interacting with all 10 experimentalists in the Ding lab. They will be in touch with all aspects of the Ding lab research through weekly group meetings and daily discussions. The post-holder will travel to international meetings to maintain and initiate research collaborations.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
* Run an independent research project investigating the RNA structure–function relationship governing RNA export from the nucleus, how this changes with external conditions, and its importance in plant–pathogen interactions. Supervise 2 research assistants and one PhD student, identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project, manage all plant transformation activities of the Ding Lab, and prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media.
* Develop and improve cell biological techniques specific to studying RNA export, including single‑molecule DNA/RNA imaging.
* Proactively deal with varied situations involving Ding lab personnel that emerge on a daily basis.
* Organise scientific lab activities, organise all lab information and precipitate social outings.
* Attend international conferences, department and site seminars.
* Ensure smooth running of all projects. Become familiar with all projects so that different aspects can be completed when individual researchers leave the lab.
* Be fully up to speed with all relevant literature.
* Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence.
* Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities.
* As agreed with the line manager, perform any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement: PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in cell biology and plant biology. Importance: Essential.
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement: RNA imaging, RNA export and RNA structure research expertise. Importance: Essential. Experience of oral research presentations. Importance: Essential. Proven record in scientific writing. Importance: Essential. Substantial experience of conducting effective research at postdoctoral level. Importance: Essential. Recent experience of managing a laboratory when the PI is away. Importance: Essential. Preparing data / information for grant proposals. Importance: Desirable.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity. Importance: Essential. Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team. Importance: Essential. Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills. Importance: Essential. Excellent time management and organisational skills. Importance: Essential. Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Importance: Essential. Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures. Importance: Essential. Promotes and strives for continuous improvement. Importance: Essential.
Additional Requirements
Requirement: Promotes equality and values diversity. Importance: Essential. Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work. Importance: Essential. Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute. Importance: Essential. Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate. Importance: Essential. Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required. Importance: Essential. Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars. Importance: Essential. Attention to detail. Importance: Essential.
Who We Are
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, training 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. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. 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 Technician 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
Cell & Developmental Biology
Development continues throughout the life of the plant. While many linear pathways affecting development have been discovered and are illustrated by elegant genetic studies, the challenge of the future will be for us to understand how these developmental pathways are integrated, both with themselves as well as with environmental signals, to enable a mature plant to grow from a seed. Guided by evolutionary principles, the Department uses its knowledge of biological processes obtained in laboratory organisms such as Arabidopsis to understand processes in crop plants such as Brassicas and cereals. To study this interaction of the plant genome with internal developmental networks and the environment, the Department uses a combination of genetic, cell biological, molecular and evolutionary strategies. The insights we are gaining provide both an increasingly detailed knowledge of the proteins involved in diverse regulatory mechanisms and a conceptual framework in which this knowledge can be related and eventually integrated into a molecular description of plant cell function. The knowledge the department is creating is relevant to agriculture. Genes that control plant stature, form, over-wintering responses and growth are potentially useful for improving crop performance.
Yiliang Ding's group encompasses three sub-groups with different scientific goals:
* AI sub‑group (Exploration of the application of AI tools in understanding the co‑transcriptional and post‑transcriptional gene regulations, including RNA structure‑mediated and DNA structure‑mediated gene regulations).
* RNAnuclear export sub‑group (Exploring the RNA structure functionality in RNA export and processing).
* Co‑transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of FLC.
Senior Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary: £45,450 - £56,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract: 72 months, full‑time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 3rd April 2026
Reference: 1006074
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Ding Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting‑edge science in the field of Cell and Developmental Biology.
About the John Innes Centre:
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity‑led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long‑term goals for the game‑changing impact of our science globally.
Our employees enjoy access to state‑of‑the‑art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management.
About the Ding Group:
Yiliang Ding's group encompasses three sub‑groups with different scientific goals:
* AI sub‑group (Exploration of the application of AI tools in understanding the co‑transcriptional and post‑transcriptional gene regulations, including RNA structure‑mediated and DNA structure‑mediated gene regulations).
* RNAnuclear export sub‑group (Exploring the RNA structure functionality in RNA export and processing).
* Co‑transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of FLC.
The role:
The Senior Postdoctoral Researcher will lead an independent research programme in the Ding group at the John Innes Centre investigating the RNA structure–function relationship governing nuclear RNA export, how this process responds to external conditions, and its role in plant–pathogen interactions.
The role will involve developing and applying advanced cell biological approaches to study RNA export, including single‑molecule DNA/RNA imaging, and integrating experimental findings with computational predictions generated within the group. The post‑holder will supervise two research assistants and one PhD student, manage plant transformation activities across the lab, and ensure the timely delivery of high‑quality publications.
The successful candidate will report to Professor Yiliang Ding and work closely with experimentalists and computational researchers within the group, contributing to a collaborative and fast‑moving research environment. The role also includes representing the group at international conferences, contributing to the smooth running of laboratory projects, and maintaining the group’s position at the forefront of RNA cell biology.
The ideal candidate:
You will have a PhD (or be close to completion) in molecular biology, cell biology, plant biology, RNA biology, or a related discipline, with strong experience in RNA structure, RNA export, and/or RNA imaging approaches. Experience with advanced microscopy, plant transformation, and managing or supervising research staff is highly desirable.
A strong track record of research productivity, scientific writing, and presentations is essential. Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to lead projects independently and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, are required.
Additional information:
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.
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