Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Hibberd group to investigate the regulation of cell specific gene expression in leaves. The ability to control gene expression in specific cells is fundamental to all multicellular life. For example, cell types of the leaf carry out specialised roles based on this ability to spatially pattern gene expression. In C4 species this is particularly important, with photosynthesis gene expression being limited to either mesophyll or bundle sheath cells. As the C4 pathway underpins a 50% more efficient photosynthetic system, we have been working to install the C4 pathway into C3 crops such as rice. During this work, we uncovered the first transcription factors and cis-elements responsible for spatial patterning in leaves. The components we discovered operate in both monocotyledons and eudicotyledons indicating an ancient and highly conserved role in plants.

This project will explore how these transcription factors interact to pattern gene expression to specific cells of leaves. The successful candidate will use standard molecular approaches but in addition, single-cell transcriptomics approaches (including single-nucleus RNA and ATAC-sequencing), chromosome conformation capture, and protein interaction studies to discover the basis of cell specific gene expression in leaves.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist who is collaborative and excited to work as part of an interdisciplinary and diverse team, has excellent oral and written communication skills, strong organizational and time-management skills, and is eager to develop novel ideas and approaches to investigate research questions in the field of photosynthesis and the control of gene expression.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

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Please notice that if you have not received any news from us 1 month after the closing date you should consider that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

Please quote reference PD48454 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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Key information

Department/location

Department of Plant Sciences

Salary

£33,002-£35,608
£37,694-£46,049

Reference

PD48454

Category

Research

Date published

7 January 2026

Closing date

28 January 2026