Postdoctoral Researcher, Berasategui Lab, Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), Norwich, United Kingdom

The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) in Norwich, United Kingdom is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Berasategui Lab (reference AB2026-01). Applications will be reviewed from 16 November 2026 onwards.

Job Details

Organization: The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL)

Location: Norwich, United Kingdom

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher

Lab: Berasategui Lab

Reference: AB2026-01

Appointment Duration: Initially offered for 24 months

Start Date: Flexible

Visa Sponsorship: Some applicants may be eligible for UK Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship (assessed individually).

Job Description

The Berasategui Lab seeks a motivated postdoctoral scientist to study how genome plasticity shapes the evolution of fungi with dual lifestyles, both as plant pathogens and insect mutualists. The post sits at the interface of evolutionary genomics, plant pathology and insect symbiosis. The postdoc will work closely with colleagues at TSL and across the Norwich Research Park, and with national and international collaborators.

TSL emphasises curiosity-driven, collaborative research and career development for early-career researchers; teamwork is central to the lab culture.

Key Responsibilities

  • Take ownership of the project and work collaboratively with lab members and collaborators.
  • Plan and carry out fieldwork to sample fungi, their insect partners and host plants, and build and curate an isolate collection.
  • Generate high-quality genome assemblies using long-read sequencing, and carry out comparative and population genomic analyses.
  • Validate genomic findings experimentally and link genomic variation to phenotype through bioassays.
  • Disseminate research through publications, presentations and engagement with academic collaborators.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A PhD in fungal genetics, genomics, microbiology, evolutionary biology, plant pathology or a closely related field.
  • Willingness to undertake fieldwork, including travel.

Required Skills

  • Experience generating or analysing genome-scale data.
  • Practical experience in molecular biology and microbiology, preferably with fungi.
  • Experience with data analysis in R, Python or a similar language.
  • Strong organisational and communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Desirable: Command-line and high-performance computing experience; a full driving licence.

Salary

Salary on TSL Research & Analogous Grade 7, up to £46,049 per annum depending on experience.

Documents Required

  • A cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining motivation and career goals.
  • A CV (maximum 2 pages).
  • Contact details for 2–3 referees.

How to Apply

Apply online via the TSL current-opportunities listing and submit the documents listed above. Quote reference code AB2026-01. For further information contact [email protected].

Additional Information

TSL offers 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme and professional development support on the Norwich Research Park campus.

About The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL)

The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), Norwich, United Kingdom, is a world leader in plant and microbial science focused on plant–microbe interactions.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Applications will be reviewed from 16 November 2026 onwards, and the position remains open until a suitable candidate is selected.