Postdoctoral Researcher, RS Plant-fungal interactions

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We employ 1100 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.

Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.

We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Researcher to join the research group of Dr Silvia Pressel in the Science Department, Natural History Museum, London.

You will be an essential member of a multidisciplinary team of scientists led by Prof. Katie Field at the University of Sheffield 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, with applications for both natural and agricultural systems.

Your research will combine in vitro laboratory experiments with advanced imaging techniques and molecular biology approaches to obtained and characterised new fungal isolates. Through detailed cytological analyses of field collected and experimental mycorrhizal plants, you will gain new insights into the form and function of critical symbiotic interfaces and other intracellular fungal structures within host plants, providing new knowledge on how structure is linked to symbiotic function and how this varies across plants and fungi.

This Royal Society‑funded position provides an excellent opportunity to develop a high‑profile and novel research portfolio, refining your expertise in experimental design of plant‑fungal interactions, including in vitro isolation and resynthesis of the symbiosis, cytological and molecular analyses, contributing to high‑impact research in a collaborative and supportive environment.

You will hold a PhD (or equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in plant science, plant‑microbe interactions, microbiology, or a related discipline, with expertise in advanced microscopy techniques (confocal, electron microscopy), molecular approaches and experimental design. Experience in in vitro approaches 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.

We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.

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• 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
• Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
• Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
• Life insurance
• Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
• Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
• We…