Research Assistant in Plant Biology (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position in the group of Dr Chris Whitewoods at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University, to identify the mechanisms that control specification of the two primary photosynthetic cell types in plant leaves.
The successful applicant will be part of a group that investigates how plants pattern their internal leaf structure, using a range of species as model systems. In this role you will perform a mutant screen in Arabidopsis thaliana to identify genes that specify spongy and mesophyll cell fate. You will mutagenize plants, screen for mutants and cross plants to generate mapping populations and identify the causative mutations. Key aspects of the job will be plant care and management, microscopy and molecular biology. This role requires excellent attention to detail.
Candidates must have a background with a bachelor's degree in plant biology or related fields. Expertise in plant care and management is necessary and experience with Arabidopsis thaliana is preferred. Foundations in molecular biology and microscopy and/or histology are also preferred, alongside a willingness and ability to learn and work with new methodologies and different plant species.
The successful applicant will be a strong team player, highly solution orientated and self-motivated. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, alongside the ability to work independently and with others, with a high degree of accuracy including outstanding record keeping. The Whitewoods group is looking for someone with a strong sense of scientific curiosity and fun who is enthusiastic to contribute to a young lab as it grows. Strong communication skills are required to interact with group members and other researchers at SLCU with different scientific backgrounds. The Whitewoods lab would like to encourage applications from individuals who wish to work flexibly or on a part time basis.
The Laboratory provides a welcoming and collaborative environment with a wide-range of family-friendly benefits and development opportunities. More about the Sainsbury Laboratory and details of what the University offers to employees can be found at: http://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/.
The post is available from March 2024.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2025 in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PT40291 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
