Main Purpose of the Job

The research assistant will assist with a research project to develop high-iron wheat through gene editing. This includes genotyping, sequence analysis, genotyping and mineral analysis.

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

Independently carry out genotyping and phenotyping, including troubleshooting of technical issues, of gene-edited wheat lines. 

60

Present results at UK-CGIAR meetings and liaise with collaborators overseas.
 

20

Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including through the effective use of resources, maintenance/repairs of equipment, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others.

10

Contribute to the writing of reports and manuscripts, providing data figures and text.

5

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.

5

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

MSc or equivalent in plant science, crop genetics or equivalent

Essential

PhD in plant science, crop genetics or equivalent

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Skilled in using bioinformatics tools for genotyping and sequence analysis

Essential

Extensive practical knowledge with genotyping, including KASP, PCR and Sanger sequencing

Essential

Good knowledge of mineral analysis, e.g. ICP or XRF

Desirable

Practical knowledge of CRISPR/CAS gene editing

Desirable

Experience with next generation sequence analysis

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research on plant models

Essential

Giving presentations on research data

Essential

Experience with plant phenotyping and sampling

Essential

Preparing data / information for manuscripts

Desirable

Supervision of students

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

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

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

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 and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars

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

Biochemistry and Metabolism

Researchers within the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism investigate the structure and function of biological macromolecules and fundamental aspects of plant and microbial metabolism. They aim to understand the mechanisms underpinning metabolic diversity and how to manipulate proteins, carbohydrates, small molecules and DNA, research which is facilitating advances of agricultural, environmental, medical and industrial importance.

Group Details

The research of Janneke Balk's group is focused on iron homeostasis in plants. We use genetic, cell biology and biochemical approaches to understand the function of proteins involved in iron uptake, transport and regulatory processes. The basic knowledge we gain can be used for improving plant nutrition, including enhancing the iron levels in plant foods through molecular breeding, known as biofortification. We work closely together with the group of Cristobal Uauy on increasing iron in wheat grain.

Living in Norfolk

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Research Assistant / Technical Science Support
Salary:            £27,750 - £34,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        Part-time, 18 months.
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 23 May 2024
Reference:     1004661

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant / Technical Science Support to join the Balk Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Biochemistry and Metabolism.

About the Balk Group:

The research of Janneke Balk's group is focused on iron homeostasis in plants. We use genetic, cell biology and biochemical approaches to understand the function of proteins involved in iron uptake, transport and regulatory processes. The basic knowledge we gain can be used for improving plant nutrition, including enhancing the iron levels in plant foods through molecular breeding, known as biofortification. We work closely together with the group of Cristobal Uauy on increasing iron in wheat grain.

The role:

The research assistant will select gene-edited wheat lines for field trials, as part of ongoing efforts to develop high-iron wheat. Tasks will include genotyping, sequencing, phenotyping and crossing. They will be part of an exciting international collaboration funded by UK-CGIAR to exploit gene-editing for global food security.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills in plant breeding and genetics, while developing experience with gene-edited crops.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate should have an MSc in plant science, crop genetics or equivalent. A PhD degree in wheat genetics would be advantageous but is not essential. Practical knowledge of high throughput genotyping and experience with phenotyping is essential. Knowledge of CRISPR/Cas gene editing and biofortification is desirable.

Candidates should have experience in performing research on plant models and giving presentations on research data, as well as previous experience with plant phenotyping and sampling.

The post holder will have excellent communication skills, time management and organisational skills, and the ability to independently using initiative and applying problem solving skills.

Additional information:

Ideally, this role will be part-time at 30h per week (4 days) for 18 months. However, candidates seeking full-time employment will also be considered for a duration of 14 months.

This role does not meet the full salary requirements set by UKVI to allow for visa sponsorship.  However, some individuals may still be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on their personal circumstances.  If you require visa sponsorship, please click here to find out if you qualify before applying. Please note, the occupation code for this role is 2119, which is not on the immigration salary list.

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.