Postdoctoral Researcher

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the laboratory of Professor Antony Dodd for a Postdoctoral Researcher, focused on using artificial intelligence and machine learning to understand gene expression programs associated with plant growth and development under natural conditions.

About the John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. 

Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

About the Dodd Group

The Dodd group focuses on how circadian rhythms adapt plants and microorganisms to their fluctuating environments. In plants, circadian regulation has a key role in the control of metabolism, physiology and development. Circadian rhythms are self-sustaining biological cycles with a period of about 24 h, that provide a biological measure of time. The Dodd lab provides a collaborative space that supports diversity in science and positive working culture. The project is embedded within an exciting international collaboration with Professor Hiroshi Kudoh, from Kyoto University in Japan.

The role

You will use large-scale transcriptomic and observational data, combined with cutting edge AI techniques, to transfer understanding of research into plant circadian rhythms and phenology from controlled laboratory conditions into natural conditions. This is represents a crucial problem for understanding responses of plants, including crops, to future climates. This project is based in the JIC Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, working closely with Dr Pirita Paajanen in the JIC Department of Computational and Systems Biology, and in collaboration with Professor Hiroshi Kudoh at Kyoto University. 

The ideal candidate

You will have a PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Biology, or a related discipline. You will have in-depth knowledge of computational analysis and management of biological data. The post holder will have demonstrable experience in AI methods, techniques and tools including comparative evaluation of tool effectiveness and adaptation of existing tools, it is desirable if you have experience with version control systems and associated hosting, such as Git and GitHub.

Additional information

Interviews will be held on 15 March 2024.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.jic.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004612. 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.

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