Main Purpose of the Job

Research Assistants enhance the output of a research group by providing technical and administrative support to the Group 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

Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures

45

Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including through the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence

10

Plan, perform and trouble-shoot experiments as and when necessary under the supervision of the Project Leader

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

5

Some responsibility for the running, effectiveness, maintenance/repairs and training for key items of equipment, providing services and/or techniques

5

Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities

5

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

BSc or equivalent in plant biology

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Practical experience of research on FHB disease of wheat

Essential

Knowledge of wheat genetics

Essential

Knowledge of Fusarium Head blight host genetics

Essential

Knowledge and experience of genetic mapping and gene isolation

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research

Essential

Experience in using computing software

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Desirable

Preparing data / information for grant proposals

Desirable

Provided technical training

Desirable

Supervision of students and visiting workers

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

Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group

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

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

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 undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

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

Attention to detail

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 research group is led by Paul Nicholson and specialises in study of resistance of wheat to spike diseases 'wheat blast' and Fusarium Head Blight (FHB). The group works in close collaboration with other members of Crop Genetics as well as industrial partners.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Assistant/Technical Science Support
Salary:                £28,550 - £31,500 pro-rata, per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:           36 months, part time
Location:           John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date:   17 September 2024
Reference:        1004754

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Nicholson Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Crop Genetics.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. 

Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

About the Nicholson Group:

The research group is led by Paul Nicholson and specialises in study of resistance of wheat to spike diseases 'wheat blast' and Fusarium Head Blight (FHB). The group works in close collaboration with other members of Crop Genetics as well as industrial partners.

The role:

The role is to support research to identify genes involved in resistance to FHB.

This will involve screening plant materials for response to fungal infection or treatment with DON mycotoxin. The results will be used to define genomic intervals associated with the resistance and then combine this information with gene expression and annotation data to identify candidate genes involved in resistance.

The candidate genes will be assessed to determine their role (if any) in resistance using mutants and genetically manipulated lines. All this information will be collated to identify potential targets for gene editing to increase FHB/DON resistance of wheat.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have significant research experience in addition to a BSc in plant biology.

Experience would ideally be in wheat pathology, preferably in FHB, and include a significant component of wheat genetics. Knowledge and experience of molecular biology and associated techniques is also required. A proven ability to be able to process complex data sets is also required.
Good communication and excellent organisational skills are also required. Candidates will have to be able to work independently to maintain project momentum but also work for periods as part of a close team in order to achieve maximum impact of research effort.

Additional information:

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

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.