Main Purpose of the Job

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

The post will include work towards gene editing in sugar beet and the post holder will closely with a strong team of external collaborators and this role will provide the opportunity to develop skills and gain experience working in public private partnerships. The candidate will also develop skills in project management, tissue culture, molecular biology and crop transformation

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

Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project

60

Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications

10

Liaise with sugar beet industry bodies and other external stakeholders

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

5

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

5

Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media

5

Disseminate research findings through presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings

5

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

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

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Plant Science or related discipline

Essential

BSc or equivalent in Biological Sciences

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

A good understanding of plant gene editing techniques

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience working with crop transformation or related processes

Essential

Proven ability in molecular biology including construct design and assembly

Essential

Previous experience with tissue culture in crops

Essential

Strong publication record, commensurate with career stage

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Experience with goldengate technology

Desirable

Previous experience in gene editing

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

Essential

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

Essential

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

Essential

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

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

Essential

Attention to detail

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

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 Penfield Group works to understand the effects of seasonal changes in temperature on plant reproductive development. We work with the model species Arabidopsis and Arable crops to understand how weather and climate variation affect reproductive development, crop yield and quality. We have a particular focus on exploiting gene editing for sustainable agriculture in non-cereal crops.

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Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary:            £37,500 - £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        3 years, full-time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 25 November 2025
Reference:     1004980

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Penfield Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of gene editing in sugar beet.

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 Penfield Group:

The Penfield Group works to understand the effects of seasonal changes in temperature on plant reproductive development. We work with the model species Arabidopsis and arable crops to understand how weather and climate variation affect reproductive development, crop yield and quality. We have a particular focus on exploiting gene editing for sustainable agriculture in non-cereal crops.

The role:

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work towards gene editing in sugar beet. The post will work closely with a strong team of external collaborators and this role will provide the opportunity to develop skills and gain experience working in public private partnerships. The candidate will also develop skills in project management, tissue culture, molecular biology and crop transformation

The ideal candidate:

You will have a PhD in Plant Science or equivalent. The post holder will have good knowledge of plant gene editing techniques and will have some demonstrable experience in gene editing, crop transformation and molecular biology. The ideal candidate would be capable of working independently but enjoy operating as part of a collaborating team to reach project goals.

Additional information:

We welcome applications from candidates seeking job-share, part-time or other flexible working arrangements.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be addressed to Professor Steven Penfield.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. 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.