Postdoctoral Research Associate

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <p></p><div>With the human population estimated to reach 9.8 billion people by 2050, the looming nitrogen (N) crisis, stemming from the intensive use of fertilisers in agriculture, requires urgent global action. Massive synthesis and application of fertiliser N has a large energy cost, causes CO2 release and results in large-scale loss of reduced N to the environment. Use of legumes, which in association with rhizobia can fix up to 200 kg N per ha, as crops and for forage are potential ways to improve both N efficiency and the sustainability of agriculture. In this project we are examining the factors that ensure competitiveness of rhizobia in legume nodulation.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>As part of an ENSA collaboration the postholder will engineer nif clusters and regulated their expression on plants. The ultimate aim is to use synthetic and engineering biology to enable N2 fixation in cereals. You will manage your own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. You will adapt existing and develop new research methodologies and materials.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The successful applicant&#160;will hold or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with relevant experience. You will have experience&#160;in synthetic biology and assembly of 20-30 kb plus nif clusters for single copy integration into bacterial chromosomes and the ability to manage own academic research and associated activities.&#160;Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations is essential.&#160; Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings is a must.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>This post is full time and available immediately until 30 June 2025.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Tuesday 12 November 2024, interviews are likely to be scheduled for late November 2024. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.</div> </div>