Main Purpose of the Job

Postdoctoral Researchers work with limited supervision to carry out individual and collaborative research projects relevant to the overall needs of the research programme.

Working as part of a team led by Prof Myriam Charpentier, you will explore the molecular mechanisms underlying nuclear calcium oscillation decoding and the enhancement of root legume endosymbiosis. The successful applicant will creatively investigate the dynamics of regulatory networks at the interface of arbuscular mycorrhiza and nitrogen fixing bacteria colonization using molecular biology, genetics and bioengineering approaches.

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

55

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

10

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

5

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

5

Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders

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

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

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

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

PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in plant genetics, molecular biology, or cell developmental biology related discipline

Essential

BSc or equivalent in plant genetics, molecular biology, or cell developmental biology

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

genetics and molecular biology

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Preparing data / information for grant proposals

Desirable

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

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

Excellent time management and organisational skills

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

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

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 seminars

Essential

Attention to detail

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 Charpentier group focuses on understanding the calcium signalling network that controls endosymbiotic interactions between soil microbes and crops, with the goal of achieving higher crop yields using less fertilizers.
 

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

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: 27th February 2026
Reference:     1006041

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

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 Charpentier Group:

The Charpentier group focus on understanding the calcium signalling network controlling endosymbiotic interactions between soil microbes and crops. The overall aim of the project is to characterize novel signalling processes that enable plant root endosymbiosis.

The role:

Working as part of a team led by Prof. Myriam Charpentier, you will explore the molecular mechanisms underlying nuclear calcium oscillation decoding and the enhancement of root legume endosymbiosis. The successful applicant will creatively investigate the dynamics of regulatory networks at the interface of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and nitrogen fixing bacteria colonization using genetics, molecular biology and cell biology approaches. They will benefit from a highly interdisciplinary and international environment with outstanding institutional support.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment and develop your skills in areas of interest.

The ideal candidate:

You will have or be close to finishing a PhD in plant genetics or plant molecular biology. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in plant cell signalling and have a strong background in genetics and molecular biology. Experiences in proteomics is not essential but would be advantageous.

The post holder will work in a collegial, multidisciplinary, and interactive team. The candidate will assist in the supervision of students, deliver seminars, and be involved in writing up the research, therefore good communication and writing skills are essential.  

Additional information:

Interviews are planned for 17th March 2026.

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 1006041.


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.