Postdoctoral Researcher; Ding Group

About the Ding Group

The Ding lab investigates the role of RNA structure in the regulation of gene expression including translation, polyadenylation, RNA splicing, RNA stability and RNA processing. We are also exploring how RNA structure alters in response to environmental changes. We are developing new experimental and analytical approaches for revealing RNA structure and RNA-protein interactions. We developed novel and powerful platforms to study RNA structure in vivo and across diverse species at both the genome-wide scale and in individual RNAs.

These breakthroughs have removed technological barriers and opened up new avenues for RNA biology research. Our lab utilizes multidisciplinary knowledge and approaches in the areas of nucleic acid chemistry, RNA biology and bioinformatics.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will explore the functional roles of RNA structure in diverse RNA biological processes. They will develop novel and advanced RNA structure profiling methods and they will supervise new master/PhD students on their projects.

The post holder will be able to conduct some dry-bench data analysis in designing and validating RNA structure functionality in plants. The successful candidate will join a team at John Innes Centre working on multiple aspects of experimentation: genome-wide in vivo RNA structure analysis, targeted individual RNA structure characterisation, biological function analysis and corresponding bioinformatics analysis. The details of the group can be found at

You will have a PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, or Computer Science. The successful applicant will have an excellent background in these fields. Experience in transcriptome studies, co-transcriptional gene regulation, chromatin-mediated gene regulation, RNA biology, and plant genetics is desirable but not essential. The post holder will have opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge through excellent training in RNA structure, chromatin-mediated gene regulation, and RNA biology.

For further information and details of how to apply can be found here or contact the Human Resources team on or  quoting reference 1006136.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace.

The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

• £39,000 - £46,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics to join the Saunders Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in plant disease diagnostics.

The John Innes Centre (JIC) seeks a creative junior or established researcher to set up and lead an internationally excellent, independent research programme in fundamental plant biology relevant to legumes or other rotation crops.