The Career Development Fellowship programme at the Earlham Institute provides support and mentorship over a 3-year period to help researchers apply for longer-term funding and establish their independent research careers.
Dr Lauren Messer will join the Institute in April from the University of Stirling, with Dr William Shaw joining later this year from Boston University in Massachusetts.
Prof Neil Hall, Director of the Earlham Institute, said: “Lauren and Will bring a wealth of expertise in microbial communities and synthetic biology, complementing the exciting areas of data-driven bioscience at the Earlham Institute.
“The development programme is a great way for scientists to take the next steps in their careers in a supportive and collaborative research environment.
“We’ve already seen success with Dr Sarah Guiziou joining as a Career Development Fellow in 2023 and then being awarded a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to establish her own research group with us.”
Dr Lauren Messer is a microbial ecologist focused on the diversity and function of microbiomes within their ecological, environmental, and evolutionary contexts. Her research interests span a diverse range of environments from soils to sea, and address several natural and anthropogenic phenomena, such as nutrient cycling, plastic pollution, and climate change.
Lauren’s background includes disciplines in microbiology, ecology, oceanography, biogeochemistry, environmental genomics, and bioinformatics.
At the Earlham Institute, Lauren will be mentored by Dr Chris Quince, Group Leader at the Earlham Institute and Quadram Institute, while exploring microbial communities from some of the UK’s most important natural spaces that are integral mediators of biodiversity.
Lauren said: “I’m particularly interested in developing genomic and biobank resources for the keystone microorganisms underpinning ecosystem health, so that one day we can use microbiome-based interventions for habitat restoration and preservation.
“As a Career Development Fellow, I’m excited to have the opportunity to establish my independent research programme with the support of world-renowned experts and access to cutting-edge genomic technologies at the Earlham Institute.”
Dr William Shaw is a synthetic biologist, with a strong background in yeast and plant engineering. He is currently a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Khalil lab at Boston University, where he is developing new genome engineering technologies for plants.
At the Earlham Institute, Will will be mentored by Dr Conrad Nieduszynski, Group Leader, to further his research focused on technologies and methods for rewriting plant chromosomes to decode genome regulation and function.
The initial focus will be on refining models of natural genetic variation related to critical agronomic traits, such as flowering time and pathogen resistance. In the future, he aims to leverage these technologies to engineer improved crops.
Will said: "The fellowship programme presents an exciting opportunity to take my first step into independent research. By combining my expertise in genome engineering with the Earlham Institute’s strengths in data science and technology platforms, I aim to develop innovative technologies for rewriting plant chromosomes, unlocking new insights into genome regulation and function.
“Being in Norwich, at the heart of UK plant sciences, will allow me to build strong collaborations and contribute to the development of resilient, sustainable crops capable of meeting the challenges of a growing population and a changing climate.”
