Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Biosciences
Institute:
University of Nottingham
Country:
United Kingdom
Research Field:
Plant Sciences, Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology
Posted Date:
Feb 10, 2026
Deadline:
Mar 07, 2026
Offer Period:
until Apr 30, 2029
Offer Start Date:
NA
Research Associate in oxygen dynamics and development
Project Description:
- Applications are invited to join an ERC-funded research programme in the laboratory of Dr Vinay Shukla. The position is part of the project BreathingUnderground, which explores how oxygen availability within plant roots shapes development, physiology and adaptive responses.
- The overall aim of the project is to understand how internal oxygen landscapes arise in roots and how these spatial differences are sensed and integrated with developmental programmes. The work will focus on mechanisms operating at the interface of root tissue organisation, signalling pathways and environmental constraints, using Arabidopsis thaliana as a primary model system.
Role overview
- The postholder will investigate how internal root environments influence developmental decisions and tissue differentiation, with a particular emphasis on how signalling pathways respond to sustained changes in oxygen availability. The role will contribute to defining how physical and biological features of roots interact to modulate internal conditions and coordinate growth.
Key objectives include:
- Examine how tissue organization and barriers influence internal signalling states.
- Identify transcriptional mechanisms linking oxygen status to root patterning.
- Integrate molecular and imaging data into a spatio-temporal developmental framework.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
Applicants should be highly motivated, intellectually curious and able to work independently within a collaborative research environment. Candidates must hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in Plant Sciences, Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology or a related discipline.
Preferred Qualification:
Experience in some of the following areas would be advantageous:
- Root biology, plant development or environmental plant physiology.
- Cellular or molecular responses related to environmental signals, preferably low oxygen signalling.
- Confocal or fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
- Gene expression analysis, transcriptomics or chromatin-based methods.
A strong publication record appropriate to career stage, excellent communication skills and a willingness to engage in collaborative research and short research visits are essential.
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- This is a full-time, fixed-term position until 30/04/2029.
- For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Vinay Shukla (vinay.shukla@nottingham.ac.uk).
Benefits:
- Salary: £31,387 to £46,485 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- CV
- Cover Letter
How to apply:
- Apply: https://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/Logon/?jobId=54019
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
The University of Nottingham is a prestigious, public research university in the United Kingdom, founded in 1881 and granted a Royal Charter in 1948. As a member of the Russell Group, it is widely recognized for its world-changing research, consistently ranking in the top 100 universities globally and in the top 20 in the UK. The university is known for its international, multicultural community, with over 48,000 students from more than 150 countries studying across its campuses in the UK, China, and Malaysia. It is particularly renowned for its vibrant, green campuses, with University Park being recognized as one of the most attractive in the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?
Postdoctoral positions are open to candidates who have completed a PhD or will complete their doctoral degree before the start date. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the funding scheme and host institution.
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Is prior postdoctoral experience required?
In most cases, prior postdoctoral experience is not mandatory. However, candidates with relevant research experience beyond the PhD may be preferred for certain positions.
What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral contract?
Postdoctoral contracts typically range from six months to three years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
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Can I apply for multiple postdoctoral positions?
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Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.