University of Nottingham
Post Doctoral Research Fellow/Associate (Fixed Term)

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Area
Science
Location
Sutton Bonington
Salary
£32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).
Closing Date
Thursday 13 August 2026
Reference
SCI1860326
Research Associate/Fellow in Root–Soil Interactions and Molecular Biology
School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham
Project: UKRI ‘GROUNDBREAKING’
Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Fellow to join the UKRI-funded project GROUNDBREAKING, which aims to uncover how plant roots sense different soils. This project will identify the mechanism of how plant roots sense and respond to different soil environments.
We are especially interested in candidates eager to explore the interface between soil textures, ethylene signalling and root adaptive responses.
This position is ideally suited to a highly motivated and independent researcher with a strong interest in soil physics, root–soil interactions, and molecular cell biology.
Applicants must hold a PhD in molecular biology, plant biology, or a related discipline.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Root biology, cell or developmental biology
- Root soil imaging (CT imaging)
- Cellular and confocal imaging (in soil)
- Hormone signalling pathways
Experience working with rice or Arabidopsis is advantageous
A track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals
Further Details
- Hours: Full time (36.25 hours per week)
- Start date: 10/09/2026
- Contract: Fixed term for 11 months
- Location: Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham
For more information about our research group, please visit:
https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/people/bipin.pandey
Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Bipin Pandey (bipin.pandey@nottingham.ac.uk).
Please note: applications submitted to this email address will not be accepted.
The University of Nottingham is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
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Job Description/Role Profile
Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.


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