Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn. The role will work on investigating the structure-function relationships of triterpenoid biosynthetic enzymes and on using this knowledge to unlock and expand accessible chemical space.

Key Relationships

The successful applicant will be line-managed by Professor Anne Osbourn and based at the John Innes Centre.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Investigate the diversity and structure-function relationships of key enzyme superfamilies required for triterpenoid biosynthesis; carry out combinatorial biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana

50

Generate mutant variants of selected enzymes in order to unlock and expand on available triterpenoid biosynthetic space

30

Prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals; also disseminate research findings through presentations

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

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in natural product chemistry, metabolic biology, synthetic biology or a related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Molecular biology, vector construction

Essential

Biochemistry, metabolic biology

Essential

Natural products research

Essential

Enzymology and structural biology

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated experience of analysis of plant biosynthetic enzymes, including genome mining, phylogenetics, molecular and synthetic biology, and analytical natural product chemistry

Essential

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Preparing data / information for grant proposals

Essential

Knowledge of enzymology and structural biology

Desirable

Experience of preparative natural product chemistry

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

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

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

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

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 Postdoctoral Researcher appointed to this position will be based in the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism at the John Innes Centre in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn and will join a multidisciplinary team working on plant natural products - biosynthesis, function, mechanisms of metabolic diversification and metabolic engineering for food and health applications.

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Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary:            £37,500 - £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract:        36 months, Full time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date:  8th March 2026
Reference:     1006046

Applications are invited for a three-year Postdoctoral Researcher position in the group of Professor Anne Osbourn OBE FRS NAS at the John Innes Centre to work on metabolic diversification of triterpenoid bioactives, inspired by the chemical diversity of the Plant Kingdom. The post is part of a larger programme in the Osbourn lab on harnessing plant metabolic diversity for medicinal, agricultural and other applications. 

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 Osbourn Group:

The Postdoctoral Researcher appointed to this position will be based in the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism at the John Innes Centre in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn and will join a multidisciplinary team working on plant natural products - biosynthesis, function, mechanisms of metabolic diversification and metabolic engineering for food and health applications.

The role:

The successful candidate will investigate the diversity and structure-function relationships of one or more key enzyme superfamilies required for triterpenoid biosynthesis, carry out combinatorial biosynthesis using a rapid and powerful transient plant expression system established in the Osbourn lab (in Nicotiana benthamiana),  and generate mutant variants of selected enzymes in order to unlock and expand on available triterpenoid biosynthetic space.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary lab of biologists, chemists and computational scientists that operates across the disciplinary boundaries. The candidate will be encouraged to innovate and develop their own research areas within the overall scope of the labs aims.  They will also have the opportunity to interact with spin-out companies on the Norwich Research Park, including a new spin-out from the Osbourn lab, to gain insights into life in the commercial biotech sector. 

The ideal candidate:

The John Innes Centre is a world class institute and is looking to appoint an exceptional candidate with a PhD in natural product chemistry, metabolic biology, synthetic biology or a related discipline (full award or expected within 6 months). The successful candidate will have excellent skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry and metabolic biology/natural product research. Previous experience of working on triterpenoid/steroidal compounds (biosynthesis, pathway engineering) would be advantageous but is not essential. 

The post holder will work independently and 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.

Additional information:

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.