Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate: Molecular Plant-Microbe interactions

Posting Start Date:

07/11/2025

Job Id:

1818

School/Department:

Biosciences

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,784 - 41,064 per annum

Closing Date:

07/12/2025
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 a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the research group of Professor Katie Field in the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield in collaboration with Professors Jurriaan Ton, Gareth Phoenix and Dylan Childs. This is an exciting Royal Society-funded position focusing on understanding the regulation and function of symbiotic fungi in model plant systems.



You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Sheffield, Dr Silvia Pressel at the Natural History Museum, London, and Professor David Johnson at Lancaster University. The project aims to uncover the mechanisms by which diverse mycorrhizal fungi interact with plants, and how these interactions influence plant physiology, development, and resource exchange across wider plant-fungal networks. Your research will combine controlled laboratory experiments with advanced molecular biology and -omics approaches to explore gene expression, metabolic networks, and regulatory pathways in plant-fungal interactions.



This post provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your expertise in experimental design of molecular plant-microbe interaction research, high-throughput data generation, and bioinformatics analyses, contributing to high-impact research at the interface of plant and fungal physiology, molecular biology, and ecology.



You will have a PhD (or equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in plant molecular biology, plant-microbe interactions, microbiology, or a related discipline, and hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques, experimental design, and working with model plant systems. Experience with high-throughput 'omics approaches and associated data analysis is essential. You will be able to work independently, manage your time effectively, and communicate clearly within a multidisciplinary team. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

Design, plan, and conduct experiments in controlled laboratory settings to investigate the signalling mechanisms controlling fungal symbiosis in model systems. Apply forward and reverse-genetics approaches, including mutant screens and genome editing approaches. Exploit comprehensive 'omics technologies (functional genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics) to study the molecular signalling and physiological plant responses controlling fungal symbiosis. 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, NHM London, and Lancaster University, integrating molecular and physiological data with ecological field and modelling data. 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

PhD (or equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in plant molecular plant biology, plant-microbe interactions, microbiology, or a related discipline.


Essential


Application/interview


Experience in plant

molecular biology

and experimental design of plant-microbe interactions.


Essential


Application/interview


Experience in working with

model plant systems

, e.g. Arabidopsis, Medicago, or other genetically tractable species.


Essential


Application/interview


Experience in molecular/physiological plant-microbe interactions, such as plant phenotyping, confocal microscopy and (radio)labelling experiments


Essential


Application/interview


Knowledge and experience of

'omics approaches

such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, or proteomics.


Essential


Application/interview


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


Essential


Application/interview


Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines and data integration methods.


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 or training students and technical staff.


Desirable


Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

38,784 - 41,064 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

Fixed-term from 1 March 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter, for a period of 36 months

Line manager

Professor of Plant-Soil Processes (PI)

Direct reports

None

Our website

School of Biosciences


For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof. Katie Field, Professor of Plant-Soil Processes, on k.j.field@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in December 2025. This will consist of an interview, presentation from candidates to the selection panel and a tour of the lab and relevant 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@sheffield.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. 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 : 07/12/2025





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.