Research Associate; Molecular Plant Pathology

Research Associate (Molecular Plant Pathology)

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We are seeking an ambitious and creative Research Associate in Molecular Plant Pathology to join the Plant Environmental Signalling Lab at the University of Sheffield. This is a five‑year, full‑time position funded by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant ‘Plant Memo’), led by Professor Jurriaan Ton.

The project investigates how plants establish and maintain stress memory following recovery from biotic stress to enhance resistance against future attacks. Using cutting‑edge molecular, epigenomic and phenotyping approaches, the project aims to uncover how stress memory is encoded within the plant’s epigenome and microbiome.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in designing and implementing innovative experiments to dissect these mechanisms, working closely with a multidisciplinary team of senior scientists, a senior technician and PhD students.

• Design, plan, and conduct experiments in controlled laboratory settings to investigate the molecular‑epigenetic and microbial mechanisms underpinning the establishment, maintenance and resetting of plant stress memory.
• Exploit comprehensive 'omics technologies, such as transcriptomics, epigenomics, metataxonomic profiling of microbial communities, and spectral disease phenotyping.
• Apply CRISPR‑based genetic and epigenetic editing approaches.
• Analyse and interpret complex datasets using appropriate bioinformatic and statistical methods.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of experimental protocols, ensuring reproducibility and high‑quality data.
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations for dissemination of research findings.
• Collaborate with team members across Sheffield, Utrecht University, and the University of Cambridge, integrating molecular‑epigenetic data with whole‑plant phenotypes and biotic interactions.
• Mentor and support PhD students or research technicians where appropriate.
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, ethical, and regulatory requirements in the laboratory.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative research culture.
• Take responsibility for professional development and keeping up to date with advances in molecular biology and 'omics technologies.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

• PhD in molecular plant‑microbe interactions and/or plant epigenetics (or relevant equivalent experience).
• Experience in the experimental design of plant‑microbe interactions.
• Experience in the analysis of next‑generation sequencing data, including RNA‑sequencing and methylome data (WGBS or Nanopore‑seq).
• Demonstrable analytical, computational, and statistical skills for high‑throughput data analysis.
• Experience with CRISPR‑based reverse (epi) genetic approaches in plants.
• Experience mentoring or training students and/or technical staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent time management, organisation and communication skills.
• Strong communication skills, including experience producing publications, reports and presentations.

• Strong publication record in the field of plant‑microbe interactions and plant molecular epigenetics.

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,784 - £47,389 per annum

Work arrangement:
Full‑time

Duration:
Fixed‑term from 1 February 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) until 31 December 2030

Line manager:
Professor of Plant Environmental Signalling

Direct reports:
None

Our website:
School of Biosciences

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