Research Scientist – Plant Pathology

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…