Main Purpose of the Job

A Research Assistant position in Molecular Biology is available in the Saunders group at the John Innes Centre. This position will lead to further development and deployment of our exciting Mobile And Real-time PLant disEase (MARPLE) diagnostics platform (see: https://marple-diagnostics.org).

The post holder will assist with further development of the MinION mobile sequencing platform for crop pathogen diagnostics. This will require extensive optimisation of all wet-lab components, working with the MinION portable sequencing device. Hence, the appointee will require excellent skills and experience in molecular biology.

Furthermore, the appointee will assist with the deployment of MARPLE diagnostics in Africa and Asia, including assisting with the organisation and execution of training workshops and logistical arrangements. This is an exciting opportunity to join an international, multi-partner project and have a direct impact on enhancing disease diagnostic capacity for some of the most devastating diseases of wheat worldwide.

Key Relationships

The appointee will join a large research group at the John Innes Centre and be expected to interact with other members of the Saunders group, whilst also interacting with other researchers working on wheat rust diseases at the John Innes Centre. The successful candidate will work independently day-to-day with guidance and training in specific techniques provided by other lab members and the group leader. In addition to their own research project they may be required to support other lab members as appropriate. This project is a collaboration between JIC and CIMMYT and other research organisations in Africa and Asia. The appointee will also regularly interact with these organisations and provide support for the development of MARPLE diagnostics hubs in several locations.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Plan, perform and trouble-shoot DNA extraction methods and library preparation methods

60

Sequence samples on the MinION platform

10

Organising and conducting training for partner institutes

10

Contribute to supporting other related research projects within the laboratory as appropriate

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

BSc or equivalent in Biological Sciences

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Documented experience and expertise in molecular biology

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Knowledge of gene sequencing technologies

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of supervising/training others (e.g students and visiting workers)

Desirable

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas

Desirable

Experience of oral research presentations

Desirable

Experience in plant pathology

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

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

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 prioritise to meet the demands of the group and research project

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

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 Saunders group focuses on studying (re-)emerging plant pathogens that pose a significant threat to agriculture. We use an array of different approaches, integrating molecular genetics, microbiology, plant pathology, population genetics, genomics and data mining to improve our understanding of how pathogens cause disease. For instance, we have numerous projects studying the wheat yellow rust pathogen, Puccinia striiformis f. sp tritici that is a substantial threat to wheat production worldwide and more recently re-emerged as a major constraint on UK agriculture.

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Research Assistant
Salary:            £28,890 - £32,100 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract:        12 months, full time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date:  17th March 2026
Reference:     1006062

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant in Molecular Biology to join the Saunders group at the John Innes Centre to lead further development and deployment of our award-winning Mobile And Real-time PLant disEase (MARPLE) diagnostics platform.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits.

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 Saunders Group:

The Saunders group focuses on studying (re-)emerging plant pathogens that pose a significant threat to agriculture. We use an array of different approaches, integrating molecular genetics, microbiology, plant pathology, population genetics, genomics and data mining to improve our understanding of how pathogens cause disease.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an international, multi-partner project and have a direct impact on enhancing disease diagnostic capacity for some of the most devastating diseases of wheat worldwide. The postholder will assist with further development of the MinION mobile sequencing platform for crop pathogen diagnostics.

The role:

The role will require extensive optimisation of all wet-lab components, working with the MinION portable sequencing device. The appointee will work closely with other members of the group to use the latest molecular techniques and sequencing technology to genotype pathogen strains in infected wheat leaf samples and further develop the MARPLE diagnostics platform. Furthermore, the Research Assistant will assist with the deployment of MARPLE diagnostics in Africa and Asia, including assisting with the organisation and execution of training workshops and logistical arrangements.

The successful applicant will join a large research group at the John Innes Centre and be expected to interact with other members of the Saunders group, whilst also interacting with other researchers working on wheat rust diseases at the John Innes Centre. They will work independently day-to-day with guidance and training in specific techniques provided by other lab members and the group leader. In addition to their own research project, they may be required to support other lab members as appropriate. This project is a collaboration between JIC and CIMMYT and other research organisations in Africa and Asia. The appointee will also regularly interact with these organisations and provide support for the development of MARPLE diagnostics hubs in several locations.

The ideal candidate:

The appointee will require excellent experience and expertise in molecular biology and a demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas. A BSc or equivalent in Biological Sciences is essential.

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.