Main Purpose of the Job

The Research Assistant provides technical support and generates research data to develop high-iron crops for future commercialisation.

Key Relationships

The RA reports ultimately to the grant holder, Dr Balk, but will primarily be supervised by Dr Jacob Pullin, a post-doctoral researcher of the Balk group and CEO of HiFe Plants. Some technical supervision will be provided by Dr Marina Franceschetti and Dr Balk. Progress will be discussed in 1-to-1 weekly meetings. The RA will also attend group meetings and give a presentation to report results quarterly.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Laboratory work to characterise the high-iron plant material, including quantification of ferritin protein, total iron and other minerals.

30

Optimise methods to extract ferritin protein from vegetative tissues, using enrichment/purification steps that are commercially feasible and compliant with food regulations.

30

Establish plant growth protocols to generate high-iron plant material for different purposes (e.g. for ferritin extraction, food ingredient or salad leaves), suitable for vertical farms.

15

Prepare data figures for technical reports, including descriptive text and legends.

15

Write SOPs as required, and assist with maintenance of equipment and resources, to contribute to the smooth running of the group.

10

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

MSc in biochemistry, chemistry, biology or related subject

Essential

PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, biology or related subject

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Experience with protein purification using different methods (e.g. chromatography, density centrifugation)

Essential

Demonstrated ability to accurately measure the levels of specific proteins and small molecules

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Recent experience of working in a laboratory setting, including pipetting and use of standard equipment for biochemistry

Essential

Demonstrated ability to perform research and obtain publishable data

Essential

Experience with presenting data in written form or in an oral presentation

Desirable

Experience with growing plants hydroponically

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

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

Biochemistry and Metabolism

Researchers within the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism investigate the structure and function of biological macromolecules and fundamental aspects of plant and microbial metabolism. They aim to understand the mechanisms underpinning metabolic diversity and how to manipulate proteins, carbohydrates, small molecules and DNA, research which is facilitating advances of agricultural, environmental, medical and industrial importance.

Group Details

The Balk group conducts research to improve nutritional traits in crops. A long-running interest is to increase the amount of iron in bioavailable form by studying iron transport, storage mechanisms and regulation. Some of the research has been incorporated in a spin-out company, HiFe Plants, which develops high-iron traits through small genetic changes. The first crop prototype, a pea variety with 10 times more iron in shoots, is being commercialized for plant-based iron supplements, as a food ingredient or fresh salad leaves.
 

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Research Assistant
Salary:            £30,600 to £37,400 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        12 months, full time.
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 10 September 2026
Reference:     1006187

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Balk Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Biochemistry and Metabolism.

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 Balk Group:

The Balk group conducts research to improve nutritional traits in crops. A long-running interest is to increase the amount of iron in bioavailable form by studying iron transport, storage mechanisms and regulation. Some of the research has been incorporated in a spin-out company, HiFe Plants, which develops high-iron traits through small genetic changes. The first crop prototype, a pea variety with 10 times more iron in shoots, is being commercialized for plant-based iron supplements, as a food ingredient or fresh salad leaves.

The role:

This fixed-term position provides a unique opportunity to develop new laboratory skills as well as assist with developing plant-based food and supplement products.

The Research Assistant will collect high quality data on high-iron plant material for a Novel Foods dossier to be submitted to EFSA. They will also carry out small-scale trials of ferritin extraction that take into consideration cost, food safety, and the ability to upcycle byproducts into side streams.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should have an MSc in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology or a related discipline with previous experience in protein purification, quantification of specific proteins and small molecules. Good communication and organisation skills with the ability to work independently are also required.

The position is for 12 months in the first instance but may be extended depending on further grant income and spin-out investments.

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.