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. This post is focuses on supporting research into the circadian clock of Bacillus subtilis, and its interactions with circadian programs in plants.

Key Relationships

Internal: Line manager, key post-doc on this project, other group members working on related projects and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the JIC. External: Project collaborators, particularly laboratory of Martha Merrow at LMU Munich and Akos Kovacs at Leiden University.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Conduct experimental investigation of the Bacillus subtilis circadian clock and clock control of plant-bacteria interactions, including bacterial culture, molecular cloning and transformation, execution of routine bioluminescence monitoring of circadian rhythms, and maintenance of bacterial and Arabidopsis stocks

25

Plan, perform and trouble-shoot experiments under the supervision of key project post-docs, the Group Leader, other lab members, and the international MicroClock team.

20

Contribute to the writing of research proposals and manuscripts, including providing data, and including the seeking of advice from project partners and external collaborators during this process

15

Work in an effective and collaborative manner with others at JIC conducting related and other projects, and with international project collaborators

10

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

10

Take some responsibility for the operation, effectiveness, maintenance/repairs and training for key items of equipment, including liaising with JIC Lab Support where necessary.

5

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

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Experience of experimentation upon bacteria

Essential

BSc or equivalent in biological sciences or microbiology

Essential

Experience in chronobiology research

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Molecular biology and microbiology experimental skills

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research successfully

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Experience in molecular cloning and bioluminescence imaging

Essential

Experience in preparing data for publications or grant applications

Desirable

Supervision of students and visiting workers

Desirable

Experience of training others

Desirable

Experience of experimentation with gram-positive bacteria

Desirable

Proven track record in scientific writing

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent time management and organisational 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

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of an international collaborative team

Essential

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

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

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

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

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

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

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

Cell & Developmental Biology

Group Details

The Dodd Group focuses on how circadian rhythms adapt plants and microorganisms to their fluctuating environments. Circadian rhythms are biological cycles, with a period of about 24 hours, that are self-sustaining and are thought to provide a biological measure of time. The Dodd lab uses a variety of model systems for their research, including model plants and bacteria.

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Research Assistant
Salary:               £28,890 - £32,100 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:           24 months, full time
Location:           John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date:    16 September 2025
Reference:        1004943

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Dodd Group at the John Innes Centre, conducting cutting-edge research into circadian rhythms in bacteria and plants.

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 Dodd Group:

The Dodd Group focuses on how circadian rhythms adapt plants and microbes to their fluctuating environments. Circadian rhythms are biological cycles, with a period of about 24 hours, that are self-sustaining and provide a biological measure of time. The Dodd lab uses a variety of model systems for their research, such as model plants and non-photosynthetic bacteria. 

The role:

An opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant, with experience of microbiology and scientific imaging, to conduct research into bacterial circadian rhythms.

This will contribute to the ERC-funded programme “MicroClock” and an affiliated BBSRC project, which focus on the mechanisms and ecology of circadian programs in Bacillus subtilis. Project findings are expected to have wide-ranging implications for our understanding of the natural world, as well as developing solutions to a variety of challenges faced by humanity.

The Research Assistant will work alongside post-doctoral researchers, others at the JIC working on this topic, and international collaborators in Germany and the Netherlands.  

The ideal candidate:

You will have a BSc or equivalent in biological sciences or microbiology. You will have in-depth knowledge of molecular biology and experimentation upon bacteria.

The successful candidate will have experience or oral research presentations. It is advantageous if the candidate has experience in preparing data for publications or grant applications.

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.