Research Associate: Dune Grasses

Coastal dunes are shaped by interactions between specialised grasses and their physical environment. This project will investigate how genetic and phenotypic variation in dune-building grasses influences dune structure and resilience. You will conduct the genetic analysis of a large-scale growth experiment, with the aim of identifying the genetic basis of key dune building traits.

Based at the University of Sheffield and supervised by Dr Luke Dunning, you will lead the genetic component of the project, undertaking molecular laboratory work and bioinformatic analyses.

Applicants must have a PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral level experience) in a relevant area. Wet-lab experience of preparing samples for next-generation sequencing, experience of conducting research on dune grasses and experience of combining genomic and trait data are also essential. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds and are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment in which researchers can develop their interests, collaborate with colleagues, supervise students and communicate their findings through conferences and publications.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.