Senior Research Technician (109517)

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, hard-working and dedicated individual to support our dynamic lab’s research on various aspects of plant immunity, most notably systemic acquired resistance. You will join a well-funded lab undertaking interdisciplinary discovery research on plant disease resistance, systemic immunity and suppression of plant defence. We use multiple approaches, integrating genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics and imaging (whole plants and subcellular) to dissect host and pathogen responses. Our ultimate objective is improved plant disease resistance for enhanced food security. Ideally you will have experience in plant molecular biology, excellent plant husbandry skills a strong interest in scientific research and a willingness to engage, interact and discover. A clean driver’s license is a mandatory requirement. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for all plant husbandry and phytobacterial culture maintenance and receive full training and mentoring across techniques they are unfamiliar with.

Ideally, we are looking for someone with expertise in plant molecular pathology, but minimally plant biology or bacterial microbiology, but we also welcome applications from enthusiastic people with a passion for science, a team player, excellent interpersonal and wet bench laboratory skills. Applicants should be proficient in basic molecular biology but those with experience/expertise in other experimental techniques (metabolomics, biochemistry, imaging) and a passion for discovery are welcome to apply.  Applicants must have a clean drivers licence.

Ideally, we are looking for someone with expertise in plant molecular pathology, but minimally plant biology or bacterial microbiology, but we also welcome applications from enthusiastic people with a passion for science, a team player, excellent interpersonal and wet bench laboratory skills. Applicants should be proficient in basic molecular biology but those with experience/expertise in other experimental techniques (metabolomics, biochemistry, imaging) and a passion for discovery are welcome to apply.  Applicants must have a clean drivers licence.

About the group/team

You will join the Plant Disease Resistance group in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University. We work on understanding the molecular basis of plant disease and defense but also cover a range of more applied research in our team.

See https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/people/mgrant/ for more details. 

Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to Murray Grant, m.grant@warwick.ac.uk

The group is based on the Gibbet Hill campus and the lab has a range of whole plant imaging and chlorophyll fluorescence facilities, with extensive resources available within the Bio-Analytical Shared Resource Laboratories (BioSRLs) and Research Technology Platforms (RTPs) at Gibbet Hill (see: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/tic/). 

We have access to controlled plant growth facilities and collaborate closely with the Chemistry Department.

We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences.

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

About You

We are looking for someone with expertise in plant biology, with strong plant husbandry and organisational  skills and molecular biology experience. Ideally you will have previous lab experience and have a fundamental knowledge of microbiology. The ability to communicate and collaborate is essential. Previous experience in laboratory Health & Safety monitoring and developing. Standard operating Protocols is highly desirable. You will be a team player and comfortable supporting diverse research projects. 

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.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter on or before 11.59pm of the closing date stated.

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.   

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.

The interviews dates are yet to be confirmed.