Research Fellow in Molecular Seed Biology

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in molecular seed biology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

Seeds underpin sustainable agriculture and food security, providing the majority of global food principally as cereals and legumes. High vigour seeds display rapid, uniform germination and seedling establishment that is tolerant of stress conditions. We hypothesise a central role for DNA repair and damage signalling processes in seed germination vigour which impacts on seedling establishment. Here we will use genetic, biochemical and high throughput analytical approaches to reveal the molecular link between genome integrity and seed vigour, establishing the mechanistic basis of how seed germination impacts on seedling vigour. The ultimate aim of this project is to apply the knowledge gained in this study to develop novel lines of plants with improved germination performance through modulating the activity of these DNA repair factors. We will test the potential of key factors to genetically improve the resilience of seed germination in Arabidopsis and Brassica oleracea, a crop species important to UK agriculture.

Visa Information

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

What we offer in return:

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year! 
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was awarded a Silver award in 2020.  We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Chris West, Senior Lecturer

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2915 | Email: C.E.West@leeds.ac.uk

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