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

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

50

Enhance the output of the post doctoral researcher by executing and refining existing experimental protocols.

20

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

Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks

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

5

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

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

Contribute to the writing of research proposals and manuscripts, providing preliminary data

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

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

BSc or equivalent in Biological Sciences

Essential

MSc in a plant science related subject

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Understanding of aseptic techniques

Essential

Able to keep accurate and up to date records of research progress

Essential

Knowledge of basic molecular biology, such plasmid construction and cloning

Essential

Understanding of transgenic research

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Previous experience working in a laboratory environment

Essential

Demonstrated ability to perform research

Essential

Previous experience in plant transformation

Desirable

Previous experience of plant tissue culture

Desirable

Previous experience of tissue culture

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 collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

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

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

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

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

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

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.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Assistant

Salary:            £28,890 - £35,670 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract:        24 months, part-time 22.5 hours per week
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 19th February 2026
Reference:     1006038

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Penfield 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 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:

An opportunity has arisen for a part time technical assistant to join our crop transformation and gene editing team, specifically to assist in the development of new processes for the efficient gene editing of sugar beet. The project is an exciting collaboration between the John Innes Centre (JIC), British Sugar, the British Beet Research Organisation and Tropic Biosciences. Based at the JIC you will work closely with Postdoctoral Researchers in the team to develop and scale new protocols for crop transformation.

Working as part of a team led by Professor Steve Penfield you will play a key role in developing transformation and gene editing capabilities in sugar beet, using plant tissue culture, Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation mediated plant transformation and basic molecular biology skills for the characterisation of transgenic plant tissues.

The ideal candidate:

You will have a degree in biological sciences and previous experience working in a laboratory. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of aseptic techniques and transgenic research, alongside working knowledge of molecular biology necessary for plasmid handling and nucleic acid analysis. Previous experience in plant tissue culture and crop transformation will be an advantage. The successful candidate will be well organised, able to keep good records and understand the importance of information security in public/private partnerships.

Additional information:

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

Interviews will be held on 16th March 2026.

This role does not meet the full salary requirements set by UKVI to allow for visa sponsorship.  However, some individuals may still be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on their personal circumstances.  If you require visa sponsorship, please click here to find out if you qualify before applying. Please note, the occupation code for this role is 2112, which is on the immigration salary list.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.jic.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006038.

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.