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 conduct research to meet the objectives of the Horizon-2020 project ‘Combining Approaches for Photosynthetic Improvement to Allow Increased Sustainability in European agriculture (CAPITALISE)’.
The CAPITALISE consortium consists of 18 European universities, research institutes, plant breeding companies and phenotyping technology developers, who aim to translate major advances in photosynthetic improvement from model plant species into three important crop species: barley, tomato and maize, by utilizing natural genetic variation in key photosynthetic traits.
Appointment will be made as Senior Research Officer.
Duties of the Role
The post holder will deliver the specific overarching aim of the EU Horizon2020 project: ‘Combining Approaches for Photosynthetic Improvement to Allow Increased Sustainability in European agriculture (CAPITALISE)’ to use phenotyping, physiological and molecular techniques to exploit the genetic basis for natural variation in photosynthesis.
Duties will include engaging in individual and/or collaborative research activity; using physiological phenotyping tools to assess the genetic basis for natural variation in traits associated with i) kinetics of photosynthetic responses to changes in irradiance and ii) tuning of the calvin cycle; and producing data for publication at levels of volume and academic excellence commensurate with the post.
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, Physiology, molecular Biology or related discipline and will have evidence of a developing research agenda, engagement in high-quality research activity and developing research profile.
Knowledge of photosynthesis, knowledge of Infra-red gas exchange and experience of plant physiology are essential for this post, along with strong communication skills, both written and verbal and a developing a record of publications in internationally recognised, journals appropriate to career stage and discipline norms.
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