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. The post holder will carry out:
• High throughput extraction of microbiome DNA from soil samples
• DNA quality control
• Liaising with service providers for generation of DNA sequence
• Supporting the production of Near Isogenic Lines for Biological Nitrification Inhibition
• Supporting the production of gene edited and transgenic lines with altered BNI chracteristics.

Key Relationships

The key relationship is with the line manager and Research Assistants in the Griffiths team.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

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

30

Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures

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

15

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

15

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

10

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

5

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

BSc or equivalent in Biological Sciences

Essential

Research MSc or equivalent in wheat root studies

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Confident with DNA extraction

Essential

Experience with optimisation of PCR conditions

Essential

Analysis of wheat root x soil interaction

Essential

Soil binding assays

Essential

Force trace analysis and tensile strength testing

Essential

Use of assays such as ELISA to characterise exudate polysaccharides

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Previous experience working as a Research Assistant

Essential

Provide support to PhD students and post docs

Essential

Previous experience working on wheat rhizosphere analysis

Essential

Proven ability to demonstrate practical tasks e.g. university practical demonstrator

Essential

Sorting and organising soil samples

Essential

Other aspects of soil biology such as soil fauna studies

Desirable

Work experience outside of research showing ability for manual work

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

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

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 Griffiths group (https://www.jic.ac.uk/people/simon-griffiths/) is in the department of Crop Genetics. There are currently 6 members.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Assistant
Salary:            £30,600 - £3,920 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        9 months, full-time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 24 August 2026
Reference:     1006179

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Griffiths Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Biological Nitrification Inhibition in Wheat.

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 role:

The post holder will study biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) in wheat. This will include the extraction of DNA from soil samples collected from wheat roots, supporting the development of near isogenic lines for BNI and supporting the development of transgenic and gene edited wheat for BNI traits.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have a degree in biological sciences, an MSc or equivalent in wheat rhizosphere analysis would be desirable.

The post holder will have experience in DNA extraction and experience in laboratory analytic tests will be welcome. We are looking for someone who has worked on wheat rhizosphere analysis previously.

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.