Main Purpose of the Job

To work as a Research Assistant supporting the Wheat Transformation and Gene Editing Facility. The role involves carrying out essential molecular and microbiological procedures required for the preparation of wheat constructs, including Agrobacterium inoculum preparation, quality assurance (QA) checks, and mini-preps, as well as supporting wheat transformation experiments for both internal and external collaborators.

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

Support construct assembly using Golden Gate cloning, electroporation into Agrobacterium tumefaciens, QA checks, and preparation of standard inoculum

30

Support all stages of the wheat transformation process, from explant isolation and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation through selection of transgenic plants and their care in controlled environment rooms and/or glasshouses

20

Carry out molecular characterisation of transgenic plants as required

10

Monitor transgenic and donor plants in CERs and glasshouses; transfer plants to soil, sampling, harvesting, and threshing as needed

10

Prepare media and stock solutions for wheat transformation and tissue culture

10

Contribute to enhancing the output of the wheat transformation platform through refinement of experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures

5

Undertake routine administrative tasks, including maintenance of laboratory supplies, stocks, tissue culture media, and plate preparation

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

5

Ensure research and record keeping are carried out in accordance with good laboratory practice, scientific integrity, local policies, and legal requirements

5

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

BSc or equivalent in Biological Science

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Knowledge and experience in standard molecular techniques

Essential

Strong molecular and microbiological skills

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Proven record in scientific record keeping

Essential

Preparing experimental data for collaborators

Desirable

Previous work with plants in the glasshouse or CER

Desirable

Experience of handling bacteria and construct assembly

Desirable

Experience in plant tissue culture and crop transformation

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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 prioritise to meet the demands of the group

Essential

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

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

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

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

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

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

Attention to detail

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 post holder will work in the Wheat Transformation and Gene Editing (WTGE) facility, which supports multiple wheat research groups within the John Innes Centre (JIC) Institute Strategic Programmes (ISPs) and develops new technologies.
The team focuses on advancing innovations in wheat transformation and gene editing to meet specific research objectives and project targets. This includes the continuous development of novel methodologies and optimisation strategies to improve efficiency. The facility also enables the rapid integration of new tools and technologies into existing workflows, ensuring the platform remains at the forefront of wheat genetic improvement. Additionally, the WTGE facility contributes to projects targeting strategically important traits in support of the JIC’s Delivering Sustainable Wheat (DSW) programme.

Living in Norfolk

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• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Assistant

Salary:             £28,890 - £35,670 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract:         until 30 April 2028, fulltime
Location:         John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date:  27 April 2026
Reference:      1006097

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to support the Wheat Transformation and Gene Editing (WTGE) facility at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge precision breeding technology. .

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.

The post holder will work in the Wheat Transformation and Gene Editing (WTGE) facility, which supports multiple research groups within the John Innes Centre (JIC) and develops new technologies.

The team focuses on advancing innovations in wheat transformation and gene editing to meet specific research objectives and project targets. This includes the continuous development of novel methodologies and optimisation strategies to improve efficiency.

The role:

This exciting role will contribute to wheat transformation for both target gene overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to generate targeted mutations. The post holder will also be part of work at the frontier of gene editing and transformation technologies, supporting JIC’s Precision Breeding Hub.

The post holder will work across the full experimental pipeline, with responsibilities spanning construct assembly  to wheat transformation.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in the latest highly efficient wheat transformation methodologies as well as in gene editing. You will also support world leading scientists who are experts in their field.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have recent experience with basic molecular and microbial routines for the preparation of wheat constructs, as well as experience working in glasshouse or controlled-environment conditions. Relevant tissue culture or transformation expertise would be advantageous.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a world-class research centre, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge plant transformation and gene editing, and develop your skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. For more information about our current developments and projects, please visit our website Wheat Transformation and Gene Editing | John Innes Centre.

Additional information:

This role is not suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. However, some individuals may be eligible for an alternative visa depending on their personal circumstances, you can read more about the visa options here. 

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.