Research Fellow

About the Role

A postdoctoral position is available in the Naish group at the University of Warwick to investigate centromere structure, function and evolution in Arabidopsis thaliana, funded by a Wellcome Career Development Award. The post is available for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of extension within the remaining term of the award.

The successful candidate will lead an ambitious experimental genetics programme using genetic and epigenetic modification in Arabidopsis thaliana to dissect how variation in centromere structure affects chromosome dynamics during cell division. The work combines classical genetics with live-cell chromosome tracking, Oxford Nanopore long-read DNA sequencing, and CRISPR-mediated genome and epigenome engineering.

The objective is to understand fundamental aspects of centromere identity and function, with cross-cutting relevance across eukaryotes. Understanding what specifies centromere identity will also translate into efforts to build synthetic plant chromosomes.

The post-holder will be supported by a full-time technician to facilitate the planned plant work and molecular biology. You would work closely with other members of the Naish group, and collaborate with Prof. Andrew McAinsh's group in Warwick Medical School on the live-cell imaging objectives.

We expect you to arrive strong in plant molecular genetics, chromosome biology, or quantitative cell imaging, with training and support available across the remaining areas. 

You would receive cutting-edge training in genetics and genomics, including the generation and analysis of Nanopore long-read data and CRISPR-Cas9 approaches, and the University offers extensive further training in computational approaches, presentation skills and networking. 

Hybrid Working:  Please note that at Life Sciences Department, we offer a hybrid working of 1 day a week after the completion of probation period once you have been trained in the role. 

Due to the nature of this role, there is an expectation that the postholder will spend a minimum of 80% of their time working on campus. There may be periods requiring 100% on-campus presence to support the experimental protocols, particularly within the first three months to support training. 

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

About You

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in plant molecular genetics, chromosome biology, or a closely related field, and will have substantial practical experience of experimental molecular biology. The candidate should be able to establish and optimise new techniques in the laboratory, and to manage several experimental lines in parallel. Experience of chromatin profiling, long-read sequencing or quantitative imaging would be an advantage, but training will be provided.

The successful applicant will lead the day-to-day experimental and analytical work. Key responsibilities will include:

- Designing and executing crossing programmes between Arabidopsis accessions, and quantifying relative centromere strength through fluorescent seed reporter assays and reciprocal backcrosses.
- Building SunTag constructs for targeted epigenome editing of centromeric chromatin.
- Cloning tagged kinetochore components for live-cell and super resolution imaging.
- Profiling centromeric chromatin by CENH3 ChIP-seq, and establishing long-read chromatin methods in Arabidopsis.
- Generating live-cell kinetochore tracking protocols and super-resolution imaging in collaboration with the McAinsh group.
- Analysing and interpreting the resulting genomic and phenotypic data.
- Directing the day-to-day priorities of the research technician, in agreement with the principal investigator.
- Preparing manuscripts, presenting at group meetings and international conferences, and contributing to the supervision of PhD and project students.
- Maintaining rigorous experimental records and contributing to the group's data management and open-access obligations.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About the Department

School of Life Sciences

For further information about the School of Life Sciences please see our website at 
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci 
 
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.

About the group

You will join the Naish group in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University. The candidate will work in a dynamic team of scientists and collaborate with group members to make discoveries. The Naish lab shares space with the groups of Profs. Miriam Gifford, Vardis Ntoukakis and Jose Gutierrez-Marcos, who work across plant genomics, epigenetics and molecular plant sciences.

For informal enquiries, please contact Matthew Naish (m.naish.1@warwick.ac.uk). I am happy to hear from anyone unsure whether their background fits.

The laboratory is situated in SLS on the Gibbet hill campus in UoW and houses state-of-the-art facilities. 
The University of Warwick is also a major centre for both plant science, and genomics, providing extensive  opportunities for collaboration and presentation of research findings and further career development and growth.

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by 11.59pm on the closing date.

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 on a date to be confirmed.