Senior Postdoctoral Researcher

Funding End Date 30 Sep 2035 Hours per week 37 Project Title Investigate the RNA structure-function relationship that governs RNA export from the nucleus, how this changes with external conditions, and its importance in plant-pathogen interactions. Months Duration 72

Job Description Main Purpose of the Job The post-holder will run an independent research project to investigate the RNA structure-function relationship that governs RNA export from the nucleus, how this changes with external conditions, and its importance in plant-pathogen interactions. The post-holder will develop cell biological techniques specific to studying RNA export, including single-molecule DNA/RNA imaging. They will monitor a fast-moving international field and keep the Ding group and JIC on the cutting edge of cell biology technology.

They will maintain close interaction with computationalists in the Ding lab, ensuring that their predictions are validated experimentally in an efficient manner. The Senior Postdoctoral Researcher will deputise for the Group Leader when needed and contribute to the smooth running of the group, including effective use of resources, budget management, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence.

Key Relationships Yiliang Ding is the PI of the group, but this encompasses three sub-groups with different scientific goals. The post-holder will report to Yiliang Ding but will be responsible for daily supervision of 2 research assistants and 1 PhD student who make up the nuclear export team. They will also provide daily support and supervision to other members of the group, which could include PhD students, postdocs and short-term visiting workers.

They will manage all the Ding lab plant transformation experiments through their supervision of the RAs, interacting with all 10 experimentalists in the Ding lab. They will be in touch with all aspects of the Ding lab research through weekly group meetings and daily discussions. The post-holder will travel to international meetings to maintain and initiate research collaborations.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Run an independent research project investigating the RNA structure-function relationship governing RNA export from the nucleus, how this changes with external conditions, and its importance in plant-pathogen interactions. Supervise 2 research assistants and one PhD student, identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project, manage all plant transformation activities of the Ding Lab, and prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media.
• Develop and improve cell biological techniques specific to studying RNA export, including single molecule DNA/RNA imaging.
• Proactively deal with varied situations involving Ding lab personnel that emerge on a daily basis.
• Organise scientific lab activities, organise all lab information and precipitate social outings.
• Attend international conferences, department and site seminars.
• Ensure smooth running of all projects. Become familiar with all projects so that different aspects can be completed when individual researchers leave the lab.
• Be fully up to speed with all relevant literature.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence.
• Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities.
• As agreed with the line manager, perform any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees.

Person Profile Education & Qualifications Requirement:
PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in cell biology and plant biology. Importance:
Essential.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills Requirement: RNA imaging, RNA export and RNA structure research expertise. Importance:
Essential.

Experience of oral research presentations. Importance:
Essential. Proven record in scientific writing. Importance:
Essential. Substantial experience of conducting effective research at postdoctoral level. Importance:
Essential. Recent experience of managing a laboratory when the PI is away. Importance:
Essential. Preparing data / information for grant proposals. Importance:
Desirable.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills Requirement:
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity. Importance:
Essential. Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team. Importance:
Essential. Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills. Importance:
Essential. Excellent time management and organisational skills. Importance:
Essential. Ability to collaborate with internal and external…