Postdoctoral Scientist positions : Norwich, United Kingdom

Postdoctoral Scientist Positions, in Computational & Systems Biology and in Cell & Developmental Biology at The John Innes Centre.

Pathogen-Vector-Host Interactions – from the Gene to the Ecosystem

Traditionally biologists study organisms at separate levels, with few studies linking mechanistic aspects of gene function to the ecological niche of the organism and the environment. In this project, we will use a multi-level modelling approach and combine it with molecular biology and ecology to make causal connections between the gene function within an organism and the impact of this gene function on the pathogen distributions within whole countries.

Aster yellows phytoplasmas represent parasites that excel at controlling their plant hosts, dramatically modifying their development and thereby not only affecting the plant-parasite interaction, but also the interactions between the plant insect vector, for example by increasing plant attractiveness to the insects.

Unravelling these complex interactions requires an interdisciplinary approach, in which molecular biology will be combined with the development of a multi-scale modelling framework, to zoom out from the molecular up to the ecological level.

The system will serve as a model for many insect-transmitted parasites that endanger our health and our food supply and are the causal agents of e.g. malaria and yellow fever and numerous plant diseases in economically important crops.

As part of a Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP), we offer two Postdoctoral Scientist positions at the John Innes Centre, one in the Hogenhout lab in Cell & Developmental Biology, and one in the Marée Lab in Computational and Systems Biology.

The 27-months position in the Hogenhout lab (post number 1002878) will lead the dissection of molecular processes involved in the trithrophic interactions of parasite, insects and plants, including how changes in plant development alters plant-insect and plant-parasite interactions. In collaboration, (s)he will assess how changes in these interactions alter parasite transmission dynamics using modelling approaches. The 32-months position in the Marée lab will lead the development of a multi-level model, to unravel the mechanisms by which gene expression impacts development, changes pathogen, vector and host interactions, and modifies spread of the disease over a whole country. By combining input from molecular biology, developmental biology, and ecology, a predictive model will be developed that links all these levels.

The post-holder in the Hogenhout lab will be an outstanding scientist with a PhD or equivalent degree in biological sciences or related discipline and has knowledge of processes involved in plant development and immunity and previous experience in molecular biology and plant genetics and transformation. Experience with yeast two-hybrid analyses, handling bacterial pathogens, bacterial (meta)genomics, bioinformatics and assays with pest insects are desirable. Good presentation, writing, computing and organizational skills and the ability to work independently are required. The position will involve travel and opportunities to conduct research in overseas research groups.

The post-holder in the Marée lab (post number 1002886) will be an outstanding scientist who has a PhD in Physics, Theoretical Biology or Computer Science or related subject, or an equivalent qualification, and has proven to show independence in mathematical modelling or computational research. It is desirable that the post-holder is familiar with Linux and good practice in programming, as the project will involve software development and team efforts, while also being sufficiently motivated to immerse into the biological questions, working in very close collaboration and making extended visits to the experimental labs that form this collaborative effort.

Both post-holders will have excellent communication skills, as the work will be in close collaboration with each other as well as with the other international labs that form the team of this HFSP programme, involving regular visits to Poland and the USA, to foster a scientific feedback loop between developmental biology, modelling, and field studies.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £30,500 to £37,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. Starting date will be from October 1st 2015.As a user of the disability symbol, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for this vacancy.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.