Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Microbiology: Join the newly appointed group of Dr. Hassan Salem at the John Innes Centre and contribute to groundbreaking research on herbivore-microbe symbioses. This position offers an opportunity to explore the evolutionary, functional, and adaptive consequences of these symbiotic relationships.
Designation:
Postdoctoral Researcher
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Molecular Microbiology |
| Location | John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK |
| Salary | £37,500 – £45,350 per annum |
| Contract Duration | 3 years, full-time |
| Closing Date for Applications | 25th March 2026 |
Eligibility/Qualification:
- PhD (or equivalent) in evolutionary genomics, molecular biology, microbiology, entomology, chemical ecology, or a related discipline.
- Experience with RNA-seq, comparative genomics, or pathway-level analyses, preferably in host–microbe systems.
- Familiarity with functional genetic manipulation of insects (e.g., RNAi, CRISPR).
- Experience with confocal microscopy and FISH, or interest in spatial gene expression methods.
- Strong computational skills for biological data analysis (preferably in R and/or Python).
- Demonstrated ability to develop independent, hypothesis-driven research at the interface of evolution and mechanism.
- Excellent communication skills, with experience mentoring students or visitors.
Job Description:
As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Salem Group, you will investigate the developmental basis of symbiosis in beetles through the following key responsibilities:
- Design and conduct symbiont- and host-focused transcriptomic and genomic analyses, including tissue- and cell-type–specific approaches targeting symbiotic organs.
- Utilize functional genetic tools to manipulate symbiont or host pathways (e.g., RNAi, heterologous expression).
- Reconstruct and test symbiont-encoded metabolic pathways, linking gene content and expression to host physiology and performance.
- Conduct confocal microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunostaining to localize symbionts, host tissues, and gene expression patterns.
- Integrate evolutionary, ecological, and functional data to understand how symbiosis shapes host diet breadth, adaptation, and diversification.
- Disseminate results through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and mentoring of students.
How to Apply:
For further information and to apply, please contact the Human Resources team at 01603 450814 or email nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk, quoting reference 1006057.
Note: This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Last Date for Application:
25th March 2026
The John Innes Centre is an equal opportunities employer that actively supports inclusivity and diversity. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
