Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate (Molecular Plant Pathology)

Posting Start Date:

17/12/2025

Job Id:

2010

School/Department:

Biosciences

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,784 - 41,064

Closing Date:

14/01/2026
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.



We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

We are seeking an ambitious and creative Research Associate in Molecular Plant Pathology to join the Plant Environmental Signalling Lab at the University of Sheffield. This is a five-year, full-time position funded by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant 'PlantMemo'), led by Professor Jurriaan Ton.



The project investigates how plants establish and maintain stress memory following recovery from biotic stress to enhance resistance against future attacks. Using cutting-edge molecular, epigenomic and phenotyping approaches, the project aims to uncover how stress memory is encoded within the plant's epigenome and microbiome. The successful candidate will take a leading role in developing and implementing innovative experiments to dissect these mechanisms, working closely within a multidisciplinary team of senior scientists, a senior technician and PhD students.



Applicants must hold a PhD in plant molecular plant pathology or epigenetics, along with experience in the experimental design of plant-microbe interactions. Experience in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data, including RNA-sequencing and methylome data (WGBS or Nanopore-seq) and demonstrable analytical, computational, and statistical skills for high-throughput data analysis are also essential.



The role offers excellent opportunities for independent research, student supervision, and international collaboration, supported by funding for professional development and conference participation. The University of Sheffield provides outstanding facilities and a collaborative research environment within one of the UK's leading plant science clusters, with access to advanced growth, imaging, genomics and computing platforms.

Main duties and responsibilities

Design, plan, and conduct experiments in controlled laboratory settings to investigate the molecular-epigenetic and microbial mechanisms underpinning the establishment, maintenance and resetting of plant stress memory. Exploit comprehensive 'omics technologies, such as transcriptomics, epigenomics, metataxonomic profiling of microbial communities, and spectral disease phenotyping. Apply CRISPR-based genetic and epigenetic editing approaches. Analyse and interpret complex datasets using appropriate bioinformatic and statistical methods. Contribute to the development and implementation of experimental protocols, ensuring reproducibility and high-quality data. Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations for dissemination of research findings. Collaborate with team members across Sheffield, Utrecht University, and the University of Cambridge, integrating molecular-epigenetic data with whole-plant phenotypes and biotic interactions. Mentor and support PhD students or research technicians where appropriate. Maintain compliance with health, safety, ethical, and regulatory requirements in the laboratory. Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative research culture. Take responsibility for professional development and keeping up to date with advances in molecular biology and 'omics technologies. Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD in molecular plant-microbe interactions and/or plant epigenetics (or relevant equivalent experience)


Essential


Application/interview


Experience in the experimental design of plant-microbe interactions.

Essential


Application/interview


Experience in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data, including RNA-sequencing and methylome data (WGBS or Nanopore-seq).

Essential


Application/interview


Demonstrable analytical, computational, and statistical skills for high-throughput data analysis.


Essential


Application/interview


Experience with CRISPR-based reverse (epi)genetic approaches in plants


Essential


Application/interview


Experience mentoring or training students and/or technical staff.


Essential


Application/interview


Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.


Essential


Application/interview


Excellent time management, organisation, and communication skills.


Essential


Application/interview


Strong communication skills, including experience producing publications, reports, and presentations.


Essential


Application/interview


Experience mentoring and training students and technical staff.


Desirable


Application/interview


Strong publication record in the field of plant-microbe interactions and plant molecular epigenetics


Desirable


Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

38,784 - 47,389 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

Fixed-term from 1 February 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) until 31 December 2030

Line manager

Professor of Plant Environmental Signalling

Direct reports

None

Our website

School of Biosciences


For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Jurriaan Ton (Professor of Plant Environmental Signalling) at j.ton@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the advertised closing date. This will consist of an interview, presentation from candidates to the selection panel and a tour of the lab and relevant research facilities. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@shefield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

What we offer

A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles. Generous pension scheme. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel. A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks). Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role. A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways. A range of generous family-friendly policies + paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
+ support for those going through the menopause
+ paid time off and support for fertility treatment
+ and more





We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date : 14/01/2026





We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.