Research Fellow (106549)

About the Role

Full time, fixed-term contract ending 14 May 2027. 

An extension beyond this date, up to a maximum of 7 months, is subject to sufficient budget and approval from the funder. 

Project details:

Plant architecture is critical for reproductive success and thus has been subject to strong domestication selection in cereal crops over Millenia. Plant architecture is determined post-embryonically and underpinned by the activity of pluripotent stem cells present in meristems, such as the shoot apical and axillary meristems (AM). The production of tillers, or secondary shoots, by AM varies widely between the grasses, and impacts on yield; most domesticated species having significantly reduced or eliminated AM growth altogether compared to their wild relatives. To date, the mechanisms underlying AM initiation and regulation in grasses remain elusive despite being an important agronomical question; this knowledge could unlock greater yield potential in domesticated crops.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

We have uncovered a new transcriptional pathway that is sufficient to induce axillary meristem formation in bread wheat, rice and likely other grasses. Based on these exciting findings, we propose to use wheat as our model system to:

• Fully elucidate this pathway by identifying upstream components and key regulatory factors, using a range of computational, transcriptomic, and molecular genetic approaches.
• Understand how this pathway is activated and regulated in axils to direct changes in the above-ground architecture of cereals using epigenetic and state-of-the-art phenomics approaches.

Collectively, this work will provide a fundamental understanding of how plant architecture is regulated and can be manipulated to create novel strategies and tools to protect and enhance yield in agronomically important cereals.

We are looking for someone with expertise in plant biology, genetics and genomics, bioinformatics and molecular biology, but we also welcome applications from people with general molecular biology skills in other organisms.

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 within the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure, unless exceptional experience applies to warrant a higher salary.

About the Department

School of Life Sciences

For further information about the School of Life Sciences please see our website.

We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent research and teaching environment. Our workplace ethic has enabled us to gain the Athena SWAN Silver award. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics. We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences. 

You will join the Jose Gutierrez-Marcos group in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/people/jgutierrez-marcos/ 
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QYyX0v8AAAAJ&hl=enRequests for further information about the role can be directed to: j.f.gutierrez-marcos@warwick.ac.uk  

Hybrid Working:
Please note this is an on-campus based role due to the nature of the work, therefore we cannot accommodate any work from home basis

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter on the closing date stated.

We will review applications throughout the advertising period and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications

Please ensure your CV includes your most recent employment experience along with any additional relevant experience and education history.

Your cover letter should detail your motivation for applying for the role as well as detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.   

The interviews will be held: To Be Confirmed