Senior Research Technician - Rice Research (Fixed-term)

Applications are invited for a fixed term full-time Research Technician position to work on developing stress resilience in rice. The role involves two linked projects: one which seeks to develop Temperature Resistant (TempR) Rice by exploiting novel germplasm to deliver improved heat tolerance and future-proofed rice yields, and the other 'Validation of root diameter as a key root trait for stress resilience'. The project is based in the laboratories of Prof Zoe Wilson and Erik Murchie (Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, UK).

Rice reproduction, especially pollen development and photosynthesis, are extremely sensitive to heat stress, resulting in major impacts to seed set, posing a significant threat to future yield and food security. It is not known whether the failure of reproduction is because pollen development is particularly sensitive to heat, or a secondary consequence of disruption of energy generation by impaired photosynthesis, or a combination of both.

This project aims to address this fundamental question, alongside developing rice germplasm and markers to enable rapid trait deployment in breeding programmes for heat stress resilience in an agricultural field environment. The work involves a partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, which will enable testing of rice germplasm under in-field conditions of heat stress, and utilisation of their rice populations that have been established for heat resistance and trait identification and deployment. It will also involve detailed analysis of several candidate genes that have already been identified along with their resultant phenotype.

Applicants must be highly motivated and meticulous, with experience in growing plants, analysing plant physiology, and molecular biology techniques. Experience in working with rice, plant reproduction, photosynthesis and advanced physiological techniques is desirable.

This is a full-time, fixed-term post (36.25 hours per week), available immediately on a fixed term contract until 12th October 2028.