University Assistant Professor/Associate Professor

We seek excellent candidates who are able to teach and conduct research in crops using cutting-edge computational approaches. We are particularly interested in individuals who combine strong expertise in computer science, machine learning, or mathematical modelling, together with a deep interest in, background in, or compelling vision for, crop biology.

We welcome applicants working in all aspects of crop biology, especially those developing and implementing intelligent software for AI-guided crop improvement. Areas could include the design of new-to-nature proteins or regulatory sequences; complex trait improvement and genomic prediction; pangenome and multi-omic data integration; foundation models for plant genomes; computer vision and high-throughput phenomics; and mechanistic and predictive modelling of crop growth and gene regulation. We welcome applicants interested in computational approaches applicable to any crop, supporting the department's existing strengths with wheat, rice, maize, beans, potato and tomato, as well as a number of under-utilised crops.

The appointee will join the Department of Plant Sciences, which delivers teaching and research that stretches across the plant sciences discipline - from genetics and genomics, to physiology, ecology and conservation. In 2020, we established the Crop Sciences Centre to more efficiently translate our discovery research in model species to crops, and to accelerate advances in crops themselves. The post-holder will be part of the Crop Science Centre, and have access to the support it provides, as well as that in the Department of Plant Sciences and the wider university. Across Cambridge over 30 research groups focus on plants, creating a vibrant environment for collaborative research and the sharing of ideas.

Key responsibilities include teaching undergraduates, conducting world-leading research, and advising postgraduate students and post-doctoral workers. There is the opportunity to become a Fellow of a College. Undergraduate teaching includes lectures, practical classes, and small-group supervisions. Postgraduate training options include contribution to MPhil and PhD programmes. Innovations in teaching methods are actively encouraged, as are engagement with mentoring and professional development.

We will support the successful candidate to develop a research programme that complements and reinforces existing Departmental research strengths. There are shared laboratory facilities for a variety of environmental analyses both within the Department and in collaboration with other Departments, and the opportunity to work with a world-leading range of equipment and facilities.

Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field and sufficient breadth and/or depth of specialist knowledge in their chosen discipline to be able to teach to a high standard. They should also have evidence of excellence in research and demonstrated capacity to develop research objectives, projects and proposals.

We are looking to appoint at either Grade 9 (£48,337 - £61,165) or Grade 10 (£64,878 - £68,817) depending on skills and experience. Appointments at the level of Associate Professor will usually be able to provide evidence of success in obtaining research funding to support research or career development.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.