Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 July 2025 in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate in Cassava Genetics to work with Prof Uta Paszkowski at the Crop Science Centre, starting early April 2024.

The Crop Science Centre which opened in October 2020 benefits from the diverse skills and expertise of the University of Cambridge and NIAB, providing an environment for research excellence in crops, with the drive and expertise for scientific translation to address real-world problems.

Association of plant root systems with beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can improve crop nutrition, growth and yield. Across different crop species, genetic variation exists that underpins the extent of benefit from the interaction. Despite its potential for improving crop performance sustainably, breeding programmes so far have not prioritised 'mycorrhizal responsiveness' as a target trait. In this short project, we wish to conduct an initial examination of Africa-relevant, genetically diverse Cassava lines for AM benefit. The projected work will involve a high-throughput metabolite- based screen combined with standard microscopic and physiological validation.

Applicants must have a solid background in plant genetics; available knowledge in basic bioinformatics, would be advantageous.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Professor Paszkowski, [email protected]

As a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment, the University of Cambridge does not use journal level metrics when assessing the quality of research outputs. Applicants should not include journal level metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor, anywhere in their application materials. Applicants should highlight a select subset of what they consider to be their most important research outputs and provide a brief narrative account of their significance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have not received any response 1 month after the closing date you should consider your application to be unsuccessful.

Please quote reference PD40264 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Department of Plant Sciences

£36,024-£44,263

PD40264

Research

30 January 2024

18 February 2024