Role Description

We welcome applications from passionate plant science researchers with skills in molecular biology, genetics, and postharvest biology with a collegiate and self-driven attitude towards multidisciplinary research.

About the Role

The role includes carrying out fundamental plant science research related to a high-profile BBSRC-funded project on potato dormancy, with PepsiCo UK Ltd. and Solynta UK as industrial partners. You will be i) using novel hybrid potato genetics and molecular techniques to identify genes controlling tuber dormancy; ii) undertaking potato postharvest storage trials and evaluating tuber physiology; iii) using analytical techniques to quantify plant hormones during potato dormancy transition; and iv) developing tissue culture and microtuber generation. You will be part of a multidisciplinary academic and industry team of plant molecular biologists, geneticists, postharvest physiologists, agronomists, bioinformaticians, and specialist technicians in postharvest technology, analytical chemistry and cell culture. The project’s broad vision is to create an agricultural system for potatoes that is sustainable and economically viable. For that, we aim to extend potato storage through elucidating the molecular and physiological mechanisms that govern dormancy break. Overall, you will contribute to reducing food waste, and reducing the energy and greenhouse gas emissions associated with cold storage of tubers.  

About You

You will be educated to doctoral level in plant science (or relevant subject) and have research experience in plant molecular genetics and/or fundamental postharvest biology. With excellent communication skills, you will have expertise in designing and undertaking glasshouse, field and/or postharvest storage trials. You will have proven experience in gene expression techniques, analytical technologies (i.e. HPLC, LC/MS) and data analysis and interpretation.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact .

The project will be part of the with a strong track record in soil, crop and plant sciences, including postharvest biology and technology, and plant molecular biology.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more .

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity . Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working .

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.