Research Associate - Bhatia Group (Fixed Term)

A post-doctoral Research Associate position is available in the Bhatia group at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University. The lab will investigate the mechanistic basis of the function of the plant hormone cytokinin (CK) in plant development using Arabidopsis thaliana as model. CK is a fundamental plant hormone that is conventionally considered to promote cell division in plant aerial organs but surprisingly, can also promote cellular differentiation and expansion in aerial organs, in a stage-dependent manner. Therefore, the roles of CK in shaping plant aerial organs are much more diverse than previously thought. How CK regulates and coordinates cell proliferation and differentiation and expansion decisions remains largely unclear. By integrating genetic analyses including genetic mosaics, time-lapse imaging, cellular growth quantifications, and single cell omics, our lab will investigate (i) how CK regulates cell proliferation and differentiation and (ii) how are these distinct cellular effects coordinated in space and time during aerial organ development. The lab will aim to develop cellular and molecular frameworks of CK-mediated coordination of cell proliferation and differentiation that shape plant organ form.

• Applicants must have a recent PhD degree (within one-two years is desirable but not essential) with strong foundations in plant developmental biology, genetics and molecular biology
• Expertise in microscopy and time-lapse imaging of plant aerial organs -leaves and the shoot apical meristem is required
• Experience in quantitative imaging data analysis (using MorphoGraphX, Image J, Imaris etc.) is desirable and will be an advantage
• Expertise in basic molecular biology techniques and generation and handling of transgenic Arabidopsis plants is essential
• Experience in genetic mosaics will be an advantage but not essential
• Excellent communication skills in both oral and written English are expected
• Successful candidates will be expected to work collaboratively in the lab
• Excellent observation skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are essential
• The ability to work independently and take proactive measures when needed is essential
• The ability and enthusiasm to learn new techniques is required
If you are passionate about research in plant development and possess the necessary technical skills, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. It is essential that you include a motivation letter in your application clearly stating your future research interests and past experience and how they may align with the advert, and why you are interested in our work.