The James Hutton Institute
Postdoctoral Researcher - Plant Virus Epidemiology
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The Vacancy
Main Purpose of Job
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in molecular virology, entomology or plant pathology to join an interdisciplinary, 3-year BBSRC-funded project; “Unravelling the drivers of aphid-borne potato leafroll virus epidemics to develop sustainable crop protection approaches”. This post will be based in the department of Cell & Molecular Sciences located at the Invergowrie Campus and will require in-person attendance on site.
The postholder will investigate the drivers of epidemic potential of aphid-borne Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) by analysing infection dynamics of PLRV variants in potato plants, transmission of PLRV, mapping genetic virus genetic determinants affecting replication in plants and aphid vector transmission dynamics, and effects of virus infection of aphids with the aim of developing sustainable approaches to control epidemics of aphid-borne viruses. The postholder will be responsible for designing and conducting independent and collaborative research.
Main Duties of Postholder
- Design and conduct independent and collaborative research.
- Perform laboratory experimental work including RNA/DNA extraction and PCR/qPCR, cloning and sequencing of virus constructs, aphid virus transmission experiments.
- Analyse genomic, transcriptomic, or proteomic datasets using bioinformatics tools.
- Preparation of publications and presentation of findings at scientific conferences and to industry stakeholders.
- Contribution to grant writing and project reports.
- Ensure compliance with biosafety, ethical, and laboratory regulations.
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Person Specification
Essential
- PhD in Virology, Entomology, or Plant Biology.
- Proficiency in standard laboratory and data analysis techniques.
- Experience of molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR and molecular cloning.
- Effective written communication, maintaining records and data presentation.
- Evidence of working effectively with a team.
- Self-motivation and time management.
- Strong background in molecular biology and infectious disease research.
- Experience handling arthropod vectors and/or viral pathogens.
- Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Desirable
- Knowledge of insect biology or vector ecology.
- Experience with next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics pipelines.
- Microscopy techniques.
- Experience in bioinformatics and sequence analysis.
- Experience in statistical analysis using R, Python, or similar.
- Current full driving licence.
Other Skills
- The ability to work unsupervised.
- The ability to follow protocols and Standard Operating Procedures
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Additional notes/Requirements
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a:
- Stonewall Diversity Champion;
- Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder;
- Disability Confident Committed Employer;
- Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
The Company
The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.
James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution.
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