Main Purpose of the Job

Working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to create, develop and lead an internationally excellent independent research programme that enhances the Institute's research and capabilities.

Key Relationships

Internal: All levels of staff within the Institute External: Staff on the NRP, collaborators, funding bodies, Government and other stakeholders. 
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Lead and manage an internationally recognised, high profile innovative research programme

Make significant contributions to strategic thinking and planning of research

Lead and manage a research team, taking responsibility for its outputs and impact. This will include selecting, supervising, mentoring, training and providing wellbeing support for postdoctoral researchers, technicians, students and visitors, supporting effective career development, maintaining high levels of performance in the team, and maintaining a positive research culture.

Disseminate research findings through the publication of peer-reviewed 
research papers, and consolidate the lnstitute's international scientific reputation through participation in national and internal conferences and provision of expert commentary in a variety of media.
 

Submit grant proposals, if possible across a broad range of potential funders, securing substantial research funding to support the research programme.
 

Ensure that research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with best practice, Institute Policies and Procedures and legal requirements.

Ensure that the research team complies with health and safety policy and guidance documents, and with quality assurance and data management procedures.

Manage the research group’s budgets for consumables, grants and other funding, making cost-effective use of resources and minimising waste.

Enhance the wider social and economic impact of the lnstitute's research through influencing and developing partnerships and commercial opportunities with government, industry and other external parties.

Positively contribute to the effective leadership and management of the Institute, through additional Institute responsibilities, including sitting on institute committees, as and when required

Commit to Public Engagement/Science Communication activities that raise the Institute’s profile and public awareness of science. 

Act as an ambassador for the Institute

Any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role of Group Leader. 

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD or equivalent in relavent subject

Essential

Substantial postdoctoral research experience

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Significant track record of internationally-competitive research achievement, supported by a strong publication record in peer reviewed journals

Essential

Deep and broad understanding of the scientific background of the proposed research programme

Essential

Capacity to envisage and articulate the longer-term objectives and impact of the proposed research programme

Essential

Ability to formulate a research programme that will deliver innovative, world-class science on a topic of major fundamental or strategic importance

Essential

Knowledge of arthropods and their associated microorganisms, such as symbionts and insect-transmitted pathogens, influence plant functions, including immunity, specialised metabolites, development, and environmental responses

Essential

Knowledge of JIC/NRP research fields, underpinning an explanation of the benefits of locating the proposed research programme at JIC

Essential

Measures of esteem such as international invited talks, editorial appointments, membership of external grant or appointments panels etc (essential for Tenured appointments)

Desirable

Success in leading research and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritise to ensure scientific ideas translate into delivery of research outcomes.

Essential

Demonstrated commitment to the highest levels of integrity and best practice in science and scientific management.

Essential

Experience of motivating, managing and mentoring team members, including objective setting and regular informal and formal reviews of progress (essential for Tenured appointments).

Desirable

Evidence of winning external support for the maintenance of a successful research team (essential for Tenured appointments).

Desirable

Research project leadership and management experience in stand-alone and collaborative projects (essential for Tenured appointments).

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Strong team player: working with others with different skill sets to reach a common goal, sharing information and supporting colleagues.

Essential

Effective and appropriate communication with all people at all levels both inside and outside the Institute.

Essential

Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritise to ensure scientific ideas translate into delivery of research outcomes

Essential

Development and articulation of innovative approaches and cohesive scientific plans

Essential

Open-minded, determined and resilient approach to scientific planning and management.

Desirable

Creation and fostering of collaborative research networks (essential for Tenured appointments)

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Ability to travel nationally/internationally to facilitate collaborations and/or present seminars. (Reasonable adjustments will be considered. The Institute recognises the need for work-life balance/the need to support those with caring responsibilities).

Essential

Exhibits a high level of motivation combined with a flexible approach.

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity, embraces the expected values and behaviours of all staff.

Essential

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

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Exhibits enthusiasm for an immediate or future role in leading and developing JIC science and values, both within the Institute and wider.

Desirable

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

You will work alongside a diverse community of researchers across various disciplines, including expertise in mathematics, structural biology, and chemistry, as well as plant and microbial scientists, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages strategic input at all levels. JIC offers substantial support for professional development, research, and administrative tasks. Start-up research funding will be provided, in addition to well-funded facilities and extensive support.
 

Living in Norfolk

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• Childcare in Norfolk

Tenure Track Position:
Plant-Insect Group Leader

The John Innes Centre (JIC) seeks a visionary Group Leader to lead research on plant-arthropod interactions, including insects.

The role focuses on how arthropods and their associated microorganisms, such as symbionts and insect-transmitted pathogens, influence plant functions, including immunity, specialized metabolites, development, and environmental responses. We welcome applications from scientists with expertise in analyses of genetic processes, biochemical pathways, or evolutionary and population genomics.

This position will primarily focus on fundamental discovery science, with opportunity to exploit JIC’s extensive resources and state-of-the-art plant growth facilities. Research outcomes may be applied to enhance crop resistance to arthropods, including key species such as wheat, barley, oilseed rape, and legumes like peas, and support is provided in knowledge exchange and translation.

By joining a vibrant plant and microbial research community, there are opportunities for the candidate’s research to synergise with that of others.

The successful candidate will be offered an initial six-year tenure-track position, with the opportunity to apply for tenure during this period, subject to review. We may consider appointing a tenured position directly.

Facilities and Support

The successful candidate will have access to a fully staffed and equipped Entomology and Insectary facility, licensed for rearing quarantine and transgenic organisms. The role comes with a full-time research assistant, a well-equipped laboratory, and additional support including a laboratory manager and media preparation kitchen. You will also benefit from cutting-edge technology platforms, such as bioimaging and microscopy, proteomics, biochemistry, structural biology, crop transformation, and horticultural services. Explore the full range of platforms here. JIC's newly built 110-hectare field experimentation station integrates lab and field research on one site, providing a seamless research experience.

Why Join JIC?

This is an exciting time to join JIC as we advance our ambitious Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet (HP3) vision and build new, cutting-edge facilities.

You will work alongside a diverse community of researchers across various disciplines, including expertise in mathematics, structural biology, and chemistry, as well as plant and microbial scientists, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages strategic input at all levels. JIC offers substantial support for professional development, research, and administrative tasks. Start-up research funding will be provided, in addition to well-funded facilities and extensive support.

Equality and Inclusion

JIC is committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or personal characteristics. JIC holds the prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognizing our dedication to advancing gender equality. We are also a Disability Confident Employer and a Stonewall Diversity Champion. We offer a stimulating and inclusive research environment and actively promote a family-friendly workplace. We encourage applications from candidates seeking full-time, part-time, or flexible working arrangements. We particularly encourage applications from women and ethnic minorities.

Application Process

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following documents:

• CV
• Covering letter
• A description of current research activities (2-3 pages)
• Short- and long-term research goals (2-3 pages)

We encourage you to highlight how your research could contribute to JIC’s four strategic research programmes (see here).

Please combine these documents with your CV and a cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for the Group Leader position at JIC.

Submit your application by close of business on Friday 3rd January 2025.

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit our website at jobs.jic.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team at 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk, quoting reference 1004794.

Interviews are scheduled for 3rd /4th of February 2025 at the John Innes Centre.

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