Research Associate position in legume nodulation

Application is invited for Research Associate position in the group of Dr Jeremy Murray at the Shanghai Institute for Plant Physiology and Ecology (SIPPE) to work in the general area of plant biology. The newly established group is located in the Centre of Excellence for Plant & Microbial Science (CEPAMS) a collaboration between the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the John Innes Centre (JIC), UK.

Group Description
The focus of the group’s research is on Plant Interactions with Beneficial Microorganisms for Nutrient Acquisition. Our main focus of research is nodulation, which is the symbiotic interaction between nitrogen fixing soil bacteria called rhizobia and legume plants. Our model system is Medicago truncatula-Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiosis. A pre-requisite for establishment of nitrogen-fixing nodules is the colonization and subsequent infection of the host roots. The research is aimed at:
1.  Identifying the host components involved in the selection of beneficial symbionts in the host rhizosphere and during the infection of the host root.
2.  Identifying the mechanisms required for development of specialized intracellular host infection structures
3.  nderstanding the crosstalk between nitrogen homeostasis and nodulation

Job/Position Description
The successful candidate will have a strong scientific background, excellent English and Chinese language communication skills. The post holder will be expected to independently develop their research within the group in the nodulation research area including writing grant applications, student supervision, and writing and preparing figures for scientific manuscripts and reports. 

The position is available immediately.

Key Qualifications
The successful candidate will ideally have a PhD in Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Cell biology or related discipline and will have a proven publication track record.

To Apply: Application in English only. Please send your CV with publication list, cover letter, a short research statement (1 page max) and two reference letters to jeremy.murray @jic.ac.uk and hr@sippe.ac.cn.
For further information, please contact with Dr. Jeremy Murray jeremy.murray@jic.ac.uk