SCRI is Scotland's leading institute for research on plants and their interactions with the environment, particularly in managed eco-systems. Our mission is to conduct excellent research in plant and environmental sciences. Our vision is to deliver innovative products, knowledge and services that enrich the life of the community and address the public goods of sustainability and high quality and healthy food.

Post Doctoral Research Scientists

The barley research programme at SCRI is being strengthened by the creation of two new post-doctoral appointments in molecular pathology and disease resistance. These posts will form two of three interlinked strands of research on the important and most problematic disease of barley; Rhynchosporium secalBarley Molecular Pathologistis, commonly known as 'rhynchosporium' or 'scald'. The post holders will lead collaborative research programmes that will complement an established programme on rhynchosporium epidemiology and population genetics.

The post holders will have access to state of the art facilities to further their research and will work with colleagues in Pathology and Genetics programmes to discover and characterise pathogenicity effectors and resistance genes leading to an understanding of durable disease resistance.

Barley Molecular Pathologist (Ref No: PP/3/8)

You will develop a programme of research on the molecular biology of barley-R. secalis interactions with an in-depth focus on identification and characterisation of pathogenicity effectors, and working with the wider research community, will establish genomic and genetic resources for rhynchosporium. The pathogen's response to quantitative and partial resistance will also be an emphasis.

Consideration will be given to appointing to this post at Band F (salary up to =A345,675) in respect of applicants offering exceptional skills and experience.

The post will focus on the molecular biology of the major barley pathogen Rhynchosporium secalis (rhynchosporium or scald) and in particular investigate the interactions between barley and rhynchosporium to understand mechanisms of resistance and susceptibility. This is one of two new appointments being made to strengthen ongoing research on rhynchosporium. The post holders will work collaboratively with colleagues in Genetics and Pathology programmes to investigate disease resistance mechanisms and aim to discover and characterise novel genes and germplasm underpinning durable disease resistance.

Description of the main scientific area/topic of research:

The post holder will develop a programme of research on the molecular biology of barley-R. secalis interactions, and working with the wider research community (UK and internationally) will establish genomic and genetic resources for rhynchosporium. It is expected that there will be an in-depth focus on identification and characterisation of pathogenicity effectors, the pathogen's response to quantitative and partial resistance will also be an emphasis. In addition, the post holder will work with an established group studying the epidemiology and population genetics of rhynchosporium. An aim of the research will be to identify genetic markers to track pathogen populations and investigate their adaptive potential.

The post holder will join a dynamic plant pathology programme and the broader expertise and facilities of a multi-disciplinary research institute will enable state of the art tools, technologies, and biological and informatics resources to be accessed to support the development of their research programme. They will interact with other pathologists, cell biologists, geneticists, molecular biologists, statisticians and informaticists. Additional responsibilities to be developed will include the development of a strong peer-reviewed publication portfolio, establishing external income streams and representing the institute at national and international scientific meetings.

Contribution to Programme science objectives 2006-2011: The proposed position could contribute to the following objective.

* New knowledge about the factors responsible for the decline in varietal resistance
* Better understanding of molecular mechanisms leading to the establishment and spread of rhynchosporium in barley
* Information on the elicitation of host responses and identification of host genes underlying disease resistance
* New knowledge of the role and function of pathogen and plant genes involved in compatible and incompatible interactions

Anticipated contribution to SEERAD Workpackage (including proportion of time):
The post will contribute significantly to the required outputs and research programmes of WP 1.4 (Barley pathology), is highly relevant to WP 1.1 (Barley genetics) and potentially relevant to 1.7 (Sustainable crop systems).

Contribution to cross-programme objectives 2006-2011:
Durable resistance will play a major role in adapting to climate change and sustainability.

Potential sources of non-RERAD funding:
BBSRC (partnerships), EU, Leverhulme, Defra, HGCA, Marie Curie

Informal enquiries can be directed to:
Adrian.Newton@scri.ac.uk;
Robbie.Waugh@scri.ac.uk or
Lesley.Torrance@scri.ac.uk

Further details of the research conducted at SCRI can be found at www.scri.ac.uk/research

Further information on the posts is available on our website or by
contacting the HR office on 01382 568561.

To apply, please send a covering letter and curriculum vitae with names
and contact details of three referees, quoting the appropriate reference
number to:

Human Resources Office
SCRI
Invergowrie
Dundee
DD2 5DA

The closing date is Friday 16th May