Research Associate: Plant-fungal interactions
Join to apply for the Research Associate: Plant-fungal interactions role at The University of Sheffield.
Pay Range
£38,784 - £41,064 per annum.
Benefits
* 41 days annual leave (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more
* Flexible working opportunities and hybrid options
* Generous pension scheme
* Wide range of retail discounts and rewards
* Staff networks and development programmes
* Family‑friendly policies: paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, support for menopause and fertility treatment
Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the research group of Professor Katie Field in the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, in collaboration with Professors Gareth Phoenix, Dylan Childs and Jurriaan Ton.
This Royal Society‑funded position offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the function, regulation, and ecology of diverse mycorrhizal fungi and the networks they form.
You will be an essential member of a multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Sheffield, Dr Silvia Pressel at the Natural History Museum, London, and Professor David Johnson at Lancaster University, working at the interface of experimental and computational approaches.
The project explores how mycorrhizal fungi influence plant physiology, nutrition, biodiversity, and ecosystem function, with applications for both natural and agricultural systems.
Your research will combine laboratory, field, and controlled‑environment approaches to uncover how fungal networks operate and influence plants and soils; you will design and run experiments in controlled‑environment growth facilities applying isotope tracing to quantify carbon and nutrient exchange across diverse mycorrhizal networks. Field experiments will link lab‑based findings to ecosystem‑level processes. Additionally, you will construct and deploy bioenergetic models to interpret plant‑fungal interactions and predict network function across scales.
You will hold a PhD (or equivalent post‑doctoral level work experience) in plant science, soil science, microbial ecology, or a related discipline. You will have strong analytical and experimental skills, experience in laboratory and field studies, and the ability to manage projects independently while collaborating effectively within a team. Excellent communication, organisation, and time‑management skills are essential. Experience in isotope tracing, controlled environment facilities, or bioenergetic modelling is highly desirable.
This post provides an excellent opportunity to develop a high‑profile and novel research portfolio, working across molecular, physiological, and ecological scales in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Design, plan, and conduct experiments in controlled environment facilities and laboratory settings to investigate diverse plant‑fungal interactions.
* Establish and maintain field experiments to test hypotheses about fungal network function in natural and managed ecosystems.
* Apply stable and radio‑isotope tracing techniques to quantify nutrient exchange and resource flows within fungal networks.
* Construct and deploy bioenergetic models to interpret experimental results and predict network function under different environmental scenarios.
* Process, analyse, and integrate experimental and modelling data, applying appropriate statistical and computational approaches.
* Lead preparation of manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publications and contribute to conference presentations, reports, and grant applications.
* Collaborate effectively with project partners at Sheffield, NHM London, and Lancaster University, integrating laboratory, field, and modelling outputs.
* Provide guidance and support to PhD students and research technicians as required.
* Ensure compliance with health, safety, ethical, and environmental regulations in lab and field settings.
* Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative research culture, promoting interdisciplinary teamwork.
* Take responsibility for professional development, keeping up to date with advances in experimental, molecular, and computational techniques.
* Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
* A PhD (or equivalent post‑doctoral level work experience) in plant science, soil science, microbial ecology, or a related discipline.
* Strong experimental skills in plant and/or soil science, including laboratory and field techniques.
* Experience designing experiments to investigate plant‑fungal symbioses in the field and/or controlled environments.
* Proven ability to analyse and integrate complex datasets, using appropriate statistical and computational methods.
* Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
* Strong communication skills, including experience producing publications, reports, and presentations.
* Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a positive research culture.
* Experience in constructing or deploying bioenergetic or process‑based models to interpret ecological or physiological data.
Desirable Criteria
* Full UK driving licence.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Salary and Conditions
Grade: 7
Salary: £38,784 – £41,064 per annum.
Work arrangement: Full‑time
Duration: Fixed‑term from 1 March 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a period of 36 months.
Line manager: Professor of Plant‑Soil Processes (PI)
Direct reports: None
Next Steps in the Recruitment Process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in December 2025. This will consist of an interview, presentation from candidates to the selection panel and a tour of the lab and relevant facilities.
We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the advertised closing date.
If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk.
Closing Date
07/12/2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr