Research Assistant (Fixed-Term)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position to work on a BBSRC-funded project seeking to develop Temperature Resistant Rice by exploiting novel germplasm to deliver improved heat tolerance and future-proofed rice yields. The project is based in the laboratories of Prof Zoe Wilson and Erik Murchie (Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, UK).

Rice reproduction, especially pollen development, and photosynthesis, are extremely sensitive to heat stress, resulting in major impacts to seed set, posing a significant threat to future yield and food security. It is not known whether the failure of reproduction is because pollen development is particularly sensitive to heat, or a secondary consequence of disruption of energy generation by impaired photosynthesis, or a combination of both. This project aims to address this fundamental question, alongside developing rice germplasm and markers to enable rapid trait deployment in breeding programmes for heat stress resilience in an agricultural field environment. The work involves a partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, which will enable testing of rice germplasm under in-field conditions of heat stress, and utilisation of their rice populations that have been established for heat resistance and trait identification and deployment. It will also involve detailed analysis of several candidate genes that we have already identified along with their resultant phenotype.

Applicants must be highly motivated and self-driven, with a PhD in a relevant plant sciences area (experience in working with rice, plant reproduction, photosynthesis and advanced phenotyping is desirable). It is expected that the successful candidate will have experience in some of the following areas: plant science, plant reproduction, photosynthesis, abiotic stress, rice cultivation and a track record of publishing research.

This is a full-time, fixed-term post (36.25 hours) and is available from 13th October 2025 on a fixed term contract until 12th October 2028.

For more information on our lab activities please contact zoe.wilson@nottingham.ac.uk or Erik.Murchie@nottingham.ac.uk.

If you are interested about this position, please click 'apply now, complete your details and submit a copy of your CV and Cover Letter to the application.