University of Cambridge
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant-Pathogen Interactions
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Crop Pathogen Immunity group at the University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences. The successful applicant will work at the Crop Science Centre, a multidisciplinary research environment designed to accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture.
Research Focus
The research will investigate how plant roots respond to infection by the emerging root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii. The project will combine quantitative infection biology with single-nucleus transcriptomics to resolve the root cell types and molecular programmes that support or restrict nematode invasion, feeding-site establishment and development. A complementary strand will explore whether cell-resolved transcriptional maps can also be generated for the nematode during parasitism, providing an integrated view of host and parasite responses.
Collaboration
The appointee will work closely with Dr Lida Derevnina and members of the Crop Pathogen Immunity group. They will be expected to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team, and to support the training and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate researchers.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
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.
Position Details
- Location: Crop Science Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
- Supervisor: Dr Lida Derevnina
- Start Date: 2nd November 2026
- Duration: 9 months
Lab Focus
The Derevnina lab focuses on understanding plant-pathogen interactions and aims to understand how pathogens interfere with plant immune receptor networks to drive disease resistance breeding.
Qualifications and Skills
- PhD: In plant pathology, plant-microbe interactions, molecular plant biology, nematology, genomics, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience: Experience of root-knot nematodes, particularly Meloidogyne enterolobii, including culture maintenance, infection assays, developmental staging, root biology, and plant responses to nematode infection will be advantageous.
- Skills: Good IT skills, excellent organization skills, ability to work independently once trained, willingness to help when demands are high, strong team player, good communication, and interpersonal skills.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Application Process
- Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Lida Derevnina (ld645@cam.ac.uk).
- Reference: Quote reference PD50734 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
- Response: If you have not received any response 1 month after the closing date, consider your application to be unsuccessful.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills