Research Associate: Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
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Base pay range
This range is provided by The University of Sheffield. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pension scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
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 Jurriaan Ton, Gareth Phoenix and Dylan Childs. This is an exciting Royal Society-funded position focusing on understanding the regulation and function of symbiotic fungi in model plant systems.
You will work as part 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. The project aims to uncover the mechanisms by which diverse mycorrhizal fungi interact with plants, and how these interactions influence plant physiology, development, and resource exchange across wider plant‑fungal networks. Your research will combine controlled laboratory experiments with advanced molecular biology and –omics approaches to explore gene expression, metabolic networks, and regulatory pathways in plant‑fungal interactions.
This post provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your expertise in experimental design of molecular plant‑microbe interaction research, high‑throughput data generation, and bioinformatics analyses, contributing to high‑impact research at the interface of plant and fungal physiology, molecular biology, and ecology.
You will have a PhD (or equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in plant molecular biology, plant‑microbe interactions, microbiology, or a related discipline, and hands‑on experience in molecular biology techniques, experimental design, and working with model plant systems. Experience with high‑throughput ‘omics approaches and associated data analysis is essential. You will be able to work independently, manage your time effectively, and communicate clearly within a multidisciplinary team. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset are also essential.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Design, plan, and conduct experiments in controlled laboratory settings to investigate the signalling mechanisms controlling fungal symbiosis in model systems.
* Apply forward and reverse genetics approaches, including mutant screens and genome editing approaches.
* Exploit comprehensive ‘omics technologies (functional genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics) to study the molecular signalling and physiological plant responses controlling fungal symbiosis.
* Analyse and interpret complex datasets using appropriate bioinformatic and statistical methods.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of experimental protocols, ensuring reproducibility and high-quality data.
* Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations for dissemination of research findings.
* Collaborate with team members across Sheffield, NHM London, and Lancaster University, integrating molecular and physiological data with ecological field and modelling data.
* Mentor and support PhD students or research technicians where appropriate.
* Maintain compliance with health, safety, ethical, and regulatory requirements in the laboratory.
* Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative research culture.
* Take responsibility for professional development and keeping up to date with advances in molecular biology and ‘omics technologies.
* Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential
* PhD (or equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in plant molecular biology, plant‑microbe interactions, microbiology, or a related discipline.
* Experience in plant molecular biology and experimental design of plant‑microbe interactions.
* Experience in working with model plant systems, e.g. Arabidopsis, Medicago, or other genetically tractable species.
* Experience in molecular/physiological plant‑microbe interactions, such as plant phenotyping, confocal microscopy and (radio)labelling experiments.
* Knowledge and experience of ‘omics approaches such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, or proteomics.
* Strong analytical, computational, and statistical skills for high‑throughput data analysis.
* Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines and data integration methods.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Excellent time management, organisation, and communication skills.
* Strong communication skills, including experience producing publications, reports, and presentations.
* Experience mentoring or training students and technical staff.
Desirable
Further Information
Job Details
* 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.
Benefits
* A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
* A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
* Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
* A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
* A range of generous family‑friendly policies
o paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
o support for those going through the menopause
o paid time off and support for fertility treatment
o and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
Disability Confident Employer
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.
Closing Date
07/12/2025
Contact
For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof. Katie Field, Professor of Plant‑Soil Processes, on k.j.field@sheffield.ac.uk.
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