Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Researcher – Nobori group

The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), Norwich, United Kingdom
Applications close on at 23:59 on 14 September 2026

The Tatsuya Nobori group at TSL is seeking a scientist with strong fluorescence microscopy expertise to join the team and focus on how plant immune cell states emerge during infection and change across space and time.

You will combine two complementary approaches: 3D live-cell imaging of plant cell-state reporters during infection with fluorescent bacterial strains, and PHYTOMap, our multiplexed 3D spatial transcriptomics method for mapping many genes at single-cell resolution in intact tissue. Live imaging reveals dynamics; PHYTOMap provides molecular breadth. Together, they will show how immune responses emerge and spread across cells and tissues.

The appointment will be made at Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate level, depending on qualifications and experience. At both levels, you will contribute intellectually; responsibilities and independence will be matched to experience, with greater leadership in experimental design, interpretation, and research outputs at postdoctoral level. We welcome transferable microscopy expertise from any biological system. Prior plant experience is advantageous but not essential; training in plant–microbe biology, PHYTOMap, and the Leica Stellaris platform will be provided.

What you’ll do:

• Design, perform, and optimise 3D, time-course, and live-cell confocal imaging on the Leica Stellaris platform.
• Use plant cell-state reporters and fluorescent bacterial strains to determine when and where immune responses develop during infection.
• Apply and further develop PHYTOMap for multiplexed single-cell 3D spatial imaging.
• Help generate and characterise reporter lines, and integrate imaging with molecular and single-cell datasets.
• Develop reproducible imaging and quantitative image-analysis workflows with lab members and TSL imaging facilities.
• Interpret and communicate findings, and contribute to publications and conference presentations.
• Take increasing scientific ownership of the imaging workstream, with leadership matched to experience.

Requirements

Essential

• Hands-on fluorescence microscopy experience producing reproducible image data.
• A relevant PhD for Postdoctoral Research Associate appointment; a relevant BSc/MSc or equivalent professional experience for Research Assistant appointment.
• Ability to plan, troubleshoot, document, and organise experiments and data rigorously.
• Clear communication, teamwork, and enthusiasm for learning.

Desirable (advantageous but not required)

Experience with confocal, live-cell, time-lapse, or 3D/volumetric imaging.

• Quantitative image analysis using ImageJ/Fiji or equivalent software; Python or similar scripting experience.
• Experience with fluorescence in situ hybridisation, spatial transcriptomics, or other multiplexed imaging methods.
• Experience in plant genetics, transgenic lines, or fluorescent reporter systems.

Background in plant–microbe interactions, plant immunity, or microbial infection biology.

Appointment Details

• Contract: Fixed-term for 24 months in the first instance, with the possibility of further extension. The start date is negotiable.
• Salary: TSL Grade 6-7, Spine Point 22-36, at £31,236-46,049 per annum.

How to apply

Please apply online via this page and submit a single PDF containing:

1. CV (max. 2 pages)
2. Cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant imaging experience, and suitability, including one example of experimental troubleshooting
3. Contact details for two referees

Please quote the reference code TN02-2026 in your application.