JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Department:
Role reports to:
Direct Reports
Indirect Reports:
Molecular
Biologist/Virologist
Grade:
AC1
Job Reference
No:
Natural Resources Institute Date of Job
Evaluation:
Agriculture, Health and
Environment Department
Susan Seal
None
None
Other Key contacts:
PURPOSE OF ROLE:
The main purpose of this role is to contribute to the development of sensitive, specific,
robust, cost-effective diagnostic tests for the most important yam viruses (poty-, badna- and
cucumo-viruses) and compare these for their suitability for on-farm virus-indexing of yam
(Dioscorea spp.) planting material. These tests will be used to ensure the delivery of virusfree planting material of preferred yam varieties for multiplication and distribution to yam
smallholders in West Africa.
The research will contribute to the work of NRI on tropical root crops by developing
innovative R&D concepts that contribute to the control of destructive diseases of these
crops, especially those caused by viruses.
This role will strengthen NRI’s capacity to deliver on existing projects in the area of plant
molecular biology, and plant virology, especially in relation to improved crop protection using
biotechnological tools. In the longer term, the post will require developing innovative
multidisciplinary concepts with other members of the team that can lead to externally-funded
projects.
This post is for an early career scientist with a background in biological molecular sciences
and having relevant experience and vision to work with a small team of natural scientists to
deliver research in the area of plant molecular biology, plant virology, biotechnology and crop
protection.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
The position will be based within the Agriculture, Health & Environment Department of NRI.
The role is part of a multidisciplinary team that will involve several MSc/PhD students and
thus will require supervising junior members of the team as well as contributing to the
running of the molecular biology and plant quarantine facilities of NRI.
The role will require carrying out independent investigations into complex plant-virus
interactions at the molecular level; a sound knowledge of plant virology, molecular
diagnostics and toolkit development is therefore an essential requirement of the candidate.
The role will require spending periods of time (2-3 months/year) working at the International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture/other research centres in West Africa to validate and transfer
diagnostic tests/tools through training courses and workshops.
Team Specific:
 Undertake independent research to generate antisera against yam viruses to be used
in serological tests, and convert selected antisera into a diagnostic kit format
 Assist in the development of design sets of primers to be used in molecular tests (e.g.
LAMP) for yam potyviruses, badnaviruses and cucumoviruses, and convert these into
kit (e.g. LFD-LAMP) format.
 Carry out field validation and comparison of tests developed in West Africa
 Contribute to the development of protocols to generate lyophilized kit reagent mixes
 Carry out training in diagnostic tests including the production of training manuals for
use by yam virus indexing centres in West Africa.
Generic:
 Be able to work independently mainly in the laboratory in the UK but also to work in
the laboratory and field overseas, with initial support as required
 Work co-operatively with other team members, provide inputs to PhD student projects
and contribute to overseeing molecular biology and quarantine facilities
 Write academic journal papers associated with your research and consultancy
activities to a level acceptable by international journals
 Contribute to the preparation of bids on any of the above and related topics for both
consultancy and research contracts
 Undertake other duties as deemed necessary by the line manager and NRI
management
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Managing Self:
Continuously improve own knowledge of people, administrative systems and
University working policy
Maintain own continuous professional development (CPD)
Continuously strengthen effective interpersonal skills
Core Requirements:
Adhere to, and promote, the University’s Equality and Diversity policies
Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations
Support and promote the University’s Sustainability policies, including the Carbon
Management Plan, and carry out duties in a resource efficient way, recognising the
shared responsibility of minimising the university's negative environmental impacts
wherever possible
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
 Production and delivery of contracted outputs to clients
 Production of high quality research outputs and peer reviewed publications of an
international standard
 Contribution to teaching MSc/PhD in the areas of plant molecular biology and virology
KEY RELATIONSHIPS (Internal & External):
 Line manager, Project/Programme Managers, Head of Department and Director
 MSc/PhD level students and visiting workers
 NRI academic staff


Administrative colleagues in NRI
Academic and administrative staff in other Schools and University Departments
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Experience
 Experience of general molecular
biology techniques,
 Experience of gene sequencing and
basic bioinformatic skills, including
sequence analysis
 Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team environment
 Excellent oral and written
communication skills
 Computer literacy including word
processing, spreadsheets, and
databases
Desirable
Experience
 Experience of working with plant
pathogens
 Experience of developing diagnostic
tests for viruses and other pathogenic
organisms
 Experience in antibody production,
recombinant protein expression and
molecular diagnostic kit development
 Publications in high ranking journals in
the last 4 years
 Experience of organising and
undertaking scientific training courses.
Personal attributes
 Proven ability to work under pressure
 Evidence of flexibility and teamwork
 Willingness to take on new and
innovative work areas
 Ability to work with minimum
supervision
 Ability to multi-task and meet
deadlines
Qualifications
PhD in molecular biology, biotechnology, or
plant pathology
Other requirements
Willingness and ability to work in Africa for up
to 3 months/year
Date of Interview: To be advised
Closing Date for applications:
Completed application forms should be returned to the Human Resources Office at the address
below or email jobs@gre.ac.uk by:
University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus
Southwood Site
Southwood House
Avery Hill Road
London SE9 2UG
If you have heard nothing from us after 6 weeks from the closing date you may assume that your
application has been unsuccessful. Please accept our thanks for your interest.