Main Purpose of the Job

Research Assistants enhance the output of a research group by providing technical and administrative support to the Project Leader and group members.

Key Relationships

Internal: Line manager, group members and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute.

External: Collaborators

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Grow, maintain, cross and thresh Brassica and pea plants. Phenotype plants scoring traits related to plant growth, reproductive development and yield

40

Undertake basic molecular biology work, preparing DNA and RNA samples, designing and testing markers

20

Plan, perform and trouble-shoot experiments as and when necessary under supervision

10

Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements

10

Support group members with the dissemination of the research findings and relevant engagement activities, eg, through preparation of materials for conferences or school visits/activities

5

Contribute to the writing of research proposals and manuscripts, providing preliminary data

5

Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks, liaising with JIC platform staff

5

Work closely with external collaborators to plan and complete tasks according to tight deadlines

5

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

BSc or equivalent in biological sciences

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Crop genetics

Essential

Basic molecular biology techniques applied to plants

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research

Essential

Previous experience in growing and crossing crop plants

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Desirable

Post-graduate laboratory experience

Desirable

Experience of field trials

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Ability to undertake occasional travel (national) related to collaborations

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Crop Genetics

The Department of Crop Genetics undertakes fundamental research on the biology of cereals, brassicas and legumes to understand the genetic and molecular basis of phenotypic variation. A major goal is to develop the technologies and knowledge base to provide a predictive framework that will underpin conventional and novel plant breeding strategies. This will enable high-yielding, stress and disease resistant varieties, with a particular end-use quality, suitable for an efficient but benign agriculture.

Group Details

The John Innes Centre Brassica research team comprises an interdisciplinary group of researchers working closely with breeders and growers to deliver new knowledge relevant to society. We use genetics, genomics, modern phenotyping methods and molecular biology to advance knowledge of Brassica growth and development, with a focus on increasing resilience and diversity in the food supply chain.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Assistant
Salary:            £27,750 – £34,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        3 years, full-time.
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 6 May 2024
Reference:     1004655

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated Research Assistant to join the Building Robustness in Crops Strategic Programme at the John Innes Centre to assist with research projects in arable break crops and Brassica vegetables.  

The role:

The post-holder will apply their knowledge and experience of crop breeding to developing new experimental research populations, run field trials and complete experimental work, predominantly working with Brassica oleracea and Brassica napus. The post-holder will be responsible for large experiments and will gain experience in working in large collaborative projects.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Biology, Plant Science or a related qualification, and be experienced in experimental crop science including plant growth, genetics, basic molecular biology and field trials. You will be a strong team player and able to build productive interactions with other researchers both at the John Innes Centre and with external collaborators in the public and private sector.

Additional information:

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed by email to Professor Steven Penfield (steven.penfield@jic.ac.uk).

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.