The School of Life Sciences
The School of Life Sciences is large and diverse and provides a vibrant research and teaching environment with a strong collegiate culture. We have a global reputation for our research and are in the top 15 nationally for overall student satisfaction in biology (NSS 2019). We conduct research in four main areas comprising: Genomics and Computational Biology; Ecology and Environmental Microbiology; Protein Structure and Disease Mechanisms; Plant Productivity. Our infrastructure and facilities match our ambitions to carry out excellent research.
This Senior Research Officer post will undertake research on the project 'Realising Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE)' https://ripe.illinois.edu in the School of Life Sciences.
The RIPE project aims to address the challenge of food security through improvement of photosynthesis and at Essex, our group has made significant advances in this area. This post offers an exciting and exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our multidisciplinary RIPE group of three postdoctoral researchers, two research technicians focussing on the improvement of photosynthesis.
Appointment will be made as Senior Research Officer.
Duties of the Role
The post holder will deliver the specific overarching aim of the RIPE funded research project: to use biochemical approaches to exploit new information from our existing transgenic lines with improved photosynthesis to increase the precision of computational predictions and thereby identify the best targets combinations of targets to manipulate.
Duties will include engaging in individual and/or collaborative research activity; using a range of techniques to determine photosynthetic capacity; molecular, biochemical and physiological characterisation of transgenic lines, including protein purification, and designing or refining biochemical assays to characterise pathway performance; and undertaking or managing practical elements of research such a setting up of equipment and conducting experiments, recording and analysing data and identifying new approaches.
A full list of duties can be found within the attached jobpack.
Qualifications and Skills required
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Plant Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline and will have evidence of a developing research agenda, engagement in high-quality research activity and developing research profile.
Experience of plant molecular biology, or biochemistry and knowledge of photosynthesis/ primary plant metabolism are essential for this post, along with strong communication skills and the ability and willingness to engage in knowledge exchange and outreach activities as related to the research goals of the project.
This post is available immediately and is funded for an initial period of 24 months
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/student-facilities/religion-and-faith
Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone the Resourcing Team (01206 876559).
*More information: Working at the University