An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Salem Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Molecular Microbiology.
About the Salem Group
The Salem Group studies the evolution, function, and adaptive consequences of herbivore–microbe symbioses. Our research focuses on how extracellular bacterial and fungal symbionts upgrade host digestive and defensive physiology, enable dietary specialization, thereby facilitating herbivory.
By integrating comparative and population genomics, symbiont transcriptomics, functional genetics, microscopy, and biochemical assays, we investigate how streamlined symbiont genomes maintain host-beneficial functions, how symbiont gene expression dynamically matches host nutritional demands, and how digestive symbioses originate and persist over deep evolutionary time. Our work aims to uncover general principles governing the emergence, maintenance, and evolutionary impact of obligate mutualisms.
The role
Working as part of a team led by Hassan Salem you will join a collaborative, international research environment to support and expand ongoing work integrating comparative genomics, transcriptomics, genome architecture, and microbiome profiling.
This Research Assistantship will contribute to an interdisciplinary project investigating the genomic signatures and evolutionary consequences of symbiosis in beetle-associated fungi, with a particular focus on Fusarium species that transition between defensive symbionts and phytopathogens.
The project builds on recent discoveries in the symbiosis between the tortoise leaf beetle Chelymorpha alternans and its fungal partner Fusarium oxysporum, where the fungus protects beetle pupae from predation while retaining pathogenic potential on the shared host plant Ipomoea batatas. Parallel comparisons with ambrosia beetle–associated Fusarium solani will enable investigation of independent transitions to nutritional symbiosis (fungiculture).
The successful candidate will work closely with Dr Hassan Salem and in collaboration with Dr Aileen Berasategui (TSL) to dissect how genomic architecture, gene regulation, and microbial interactions shape lifestyle transitions in Fusarium.
You will join a collaborative, international research environment to support and expand ongoing work integrating comparative genomics, transcriptomics, genome architecture, and microbiome profiling.
The ideal candidate
We welcome applicants with a background in evolutionary genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, mycology, entomology, or a related field.
Essential criteria:
• MSc in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing data (RNA-seq and/or genome sequencing).
• Strong computational skills (preferably R and/or Python).
• Experience working in a molecular biology or microbiology laboratory.
• Ability to manage and analyse large biological datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
This Research Assistantship offers an outstanding opportunity for candidates seeking to develop expertise in evolutionary genomics and host–microbe interactions, and provides strong preparation for future doctoral research.