Research Scientist – Plant Pathology
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Job Summary
Main Purpose of Job
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a PhD and expertise in plant pathology to join our group working on epidemiology disease control and IPM. The focus of the role will primarily be to work on potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans but is anticipated to extend to other fungal crop pathogens as required. This post will be based in the department of Cell & Molecular Sciences located at the Invergowrie Campus and will require in-person attendance on site.
The postholder will initially contribute to and in the longer-term lead our longstanding and internationally recognised programme of potato late blight research which delivers impact to industry stakeholders and addition to our ongoing programme of research in epidemiology disease control and IPM we are particularly interested in candidates with computational experience for example to support new genomic approaches around the prediction of evolving fungicide active ingredient and durable host resistance gene targets. This will require familiarity and practical application of skills in computational biology to manage analyse and interpret large volumes of DNA sequence data. This role therefore ideally brings together a well-established understanding of plant pathology the ability to organise analyse display and exploit genome sequences to reach these goals and an enthusiasm for knowledge exchange and the delivery of practical impact. This post would have potential to accelerate progress in other pathosystems and fill a major gap in the UK science base. The postholder will be responsible for designing and conducting independent and collaborative research and applying for research funding.
Main Duties of Postholder
Conceive design and conduct independent and collaborative research
Perform laboratory experimental work including experimental design
Analyse molecular marker and DNA sequence datasets using bioinformatics tools
Preparation of publications and presentation of findings at scientific conferences and to industry stakeholders
Identify funding opportunities deliver grant writing and project reports
Ensure compliance with biosafety ethical and laboratory regulations
Person Specification
Essential
PhD in Plant Pathology
Evidence of both practical and theoretical applications of science in support of crop production and the study of evolutionary and/or population biology of plant pathogens
Interest and experience in the use of molecular tools and DNA sequence analysis in plant pathology
Effective written communication maintaining records and data presentation
Evidence of working effectively with a team
Self-motivation and effective time management
Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
Desirable
Experience in late blight research/potato pathology
Established collaborator network and measures of esteem
Knowledge of high-throughput sequencing technologies applications and data analysis
Skills in coding such as Python and R and familiarity with a command line Linux environment
Knowledge and experience in tools for population genetics genomics and evolutionary analysis
Experience in experimental design and statistical analysis
Familiarity with FAIR data principles and metadata standards
Success with funding applications and experience of people and project management
Current full driving licence
Other Skills
The ability to work unsupervised
The ability to follow protocols and Standard Operating Procedures
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
The Company
The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops soils and land use and environmental research and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues such as food energy and environmental security and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.
JamesHutton() was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution.
Our Values
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About Company
The James Hutton Institute was formed to create a world leading research institute for land, crops, water and the environment.
