Postdoctoral Research Associate

Durham University

Durham University is one of the world's top universities with strengths across the Arts and Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences. We are home to some of the most talented scholars and researchers from around the world who are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.

Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a project entitled "Understanding how insect rearing residues as biofertilisers stimulate plant growth and defence". This post is fixed term until the 31st May 2023.

At scale, the bioconversion of food and agricultural "wastes" by insects, such as Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), yields high quality products for animal feed offering potential to reduce our heavy reliance upon protein imports to supply the UK aquaculture, poultry and pig industries. The rearing process captures nutrients in the form of insect biomass and can substantially reduce volumes of low value wastes in line with a circular economy approach. Residues, also known as frass, remaining after harvesting BSFL have considerable potential as commercial biofertilisers as they are rich in micro-organisms, micro- and macro-nutrients, and insect chitin and are thus able to exert positive effects on soil health and crop yields. The project aims to understand how insect frass derived biofertlisers stimulate plant growth and defence. The PDRA will identify the molecular mechanisms that underpin these effects in the plant species. A background in the study of plant stress signalling and gene editing is desirable. Evidence of technical competence in purifying large intact protein complexes will be required. The successful candidate must have good communication skills and a publication record in protein purification.

This post is fixed term for 18 months as it is part of a large consortia that has dedicated UKRI funds to conduct a 33 month project entitled "The Insectrial Revolution" which commenced on the 1st September 2020.

All applicants are asked to submit:

• A CV and covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above;