An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Assistant to join the newly formed Whitewoods Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Cell and Developmental Biology.
About the Whitewoods Group
The Whitewoods lab investigates how plants pattern their internal leaf structure, primarily using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system. They investigate how leaves form air spaces between cells, how photosynthetic cells acquire their identities, and how changes in light level modify these developmental processes to tune leaf structure to the environment.
The Whitewoods group is looking for someone with a strong sense of scientific curiosity and fun who is enthusiastic to contribute to a young lab as it grows.
The role
In this role you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational effectiveness of the group’s research, as well as designing and performing experiments and analysing data. A key part of this role is performing mutant screens and organising mutant populations to identify and catalogue novel mutants. It therefore requires excellent attention to detail.
The ideal candidate
Candidates must have a background in plant science, a PhD degree in developmental biology or related fields would be highly advantageous. Expertise in care and management or Arabidopsis thaliana is necessary, as is experience with performing EMS mutagenesis and organising a forward genetic screen. Experience with molecular biology, confocal microscopy and histology are also preferred, alongside a willingness and ability to learn and work with new methodologies and different species.
The successful applicant will be a strong team player, highly solution orientated and self-motivated. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, alongside the ability to work independently and with others, with a high degree of accuracy including outstanding record keeping. Experience supervising students, teaching others experimental techniques and organising lab databases is also strongly preferred.