Research Fellow in Plant Science

The role includes carrying out fundamental plant science research related to a high-profile BBSRC-funded project on potato dormancy, with PepsiCo UK Ltd. and Solynta UK as industrial partners. You will be i) using novel hybrid potato genetics and molecular techniques to identify genes controlling tuber dormancy; ii) undertaking potato postharvest storage trials and evaluating tuber physiology; iii) using analytical techniques to quantify plant hormones during potato dormancy transition; and iv) developing tissue culture and microtuber generation. You will be part of a multidisciplinary academic and industry team of plant molecular biologists, geneticists, postharvest physiologists, agronomists, bioinformaticians, and specialist technicians in postharvest technology, analytical chemistry and cell culture. The project's broad vision is to create an agricultural system for potatoes that is sustainable and economically viable. For that, we aim to extend potato storage
through elucidating the molecular and physiological mechanisms that govern dormancy break. Overall, you will contribute to reducing food waste, and reducing the energy and greenhouse gas emissions associated with cold storage of tubers.

We welcome applications from passionate plant science researchers with skills in molecular biology, genetics, and postharvest biology with a collegiate and self-driven attitude towards multidisciplinary research., You will be educated to doctoral level in plant science (or relevant subject) and have research experience in plant molecular genetics and/or fundamental postharvest biology. With excellent communication skills, you will have expertise in designing and undertaking glasshouse, field and/or postharvest storage trials. You will have proven experience in gene expression techniques, analytical technologies (i.e. HPLC, LC/MS) and data analysis and interpretation.

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield's world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

The project will be part of the Environment and Agrifood Theme with a strong track record in soil, crop and plant sciences, including postharvest biology and technology, and plant molecular biology.

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