Job Description
Job Title: Research Assistant
Reference: 1006038
Closing Date: 19 February 2026
Grade: SC7
Salary: £28,890–£35,670 pro-rata based on a full-time 37 hour week
Hours per week: 22.5
Expected/Ideal Start Date: 01 April 2026
Duration: 24 months
Interview Date: 16 March 2026
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.
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
* Plan, perform and troubleshoot experiments as necessary under the supervision of the Project Leader (50%).
* Enhance the output of the post doctoral researcher by executing and refining existing experimental protocols (20%).
* Contribute to the smooth running of the group through effective use of resources, supervision of visitors, and assisting with training others (10%).
* Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks (10%).
* Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity, and compliance with local policies and legal requirements (5%).
* As agreed with the line manager, undertake other duties commensurate with the post, including contributing to Institute committees (5%).
* Support group members with dissemination of research findings and engagement activities, e.g., preparation of materials for conferences or school visits/activities.
* Continually strive for excellence, seek feedback, and pursue relevant learning and development opportunities.
* Contribute to writing of research proposals and manuscripts, providing preliminary data.
* Some responsibility for running, maintaining/repairing and training for key equipment, and providing related services/techniques.
* As agreed with line manager, undertake any other duties commensurate with the role.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement Importance
BSc or equivalent in Biological Sciences — Essential
MSc in a plant science related subject — Desirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance
Understanding of aseptic techniques — Essential
Able to keep accurate and up-to-date records of research progress — Essential
Knowledge of basic molecular biology, such as plasmid construction and cloning — Essential
Understanding of transgenic research — Essential
Previous experience in a laboratory environment — Essential
Demonstrated ability to perform research — Essential
Previous experience in plant transformation — Desirable
Previous experience in plant tissue culture — Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement Importance
Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and ability to present complex information clearly — Essential
Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders — Essential
Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures — Essential
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team — Essential
Ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem-solving skills — 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
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate — Essential
Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both its international reputation and public engagement aims — Essential
Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required — Essential
About the 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 and making findings available to society.
Our research uses a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
We are committed to an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. For immigration information contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.
We are proud to hold Athena SWAN Gold and are a member of Stonewall Diversity Champions. We guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) and a limited company (England No. 511709).
Department
Crop Genetics
The Department of Crop Genetics undertakes fundamental research on the biology of cereals, brassicas and legumes to understand phenotypic variation. A major goal is to develop technologies and knowledge to underpin conventional and novel plant breeding strategies, enabling high-yielding, stress- and disease-resistant varieties with end-use quality for sustainable agriculture.
The Penfield Group investigates how seasonal changes in temperature affect plant reproductive development, using Arabidopsis and arable crops to study weather and climate variation on reproductive development, yield and quality. The group focuses on gene editing for sustainable agriculture in non-cereal crops.
The role
An exciting opportunity for a part-time Research Assistant to join the Penfield Group’s crop transformation and gene editing work, specifically to develop new processes for efficient gene editing of sugar beet. The project is a collaboration between the John Innes Centre, British Sugar, the British Beet Research Organisation and Tropic Biosciences. Based at the JIC, you will work with Postdoctoral Researchers to develop and scale new protocols for crop transformation. You will contribute to transformation and gene editing capabilities in sugar beet using plant tissue culture, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and basic molecular biology to characterize transgenic tissues.
The successful candidate will be well organized, able to keep good records, and understand information security in public/private partnerships. We welcome applications from those seeking job-share or flexible working arrangements.
Interviews
Interviews will be held on 16 March 2026.
Legal/visa note: This role does not meet the full salary requirements for UKVI sponsorship. Some individuals may be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on circumstances. If you require sponsorship, please check eligibility before applying.
How to apply: For further information and details of how to apply, please visit the John Innes Centre website or contact Human Resources quoting reference 1006038.
Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer and support inclusivity and diversity. We guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. We are a Gold Athena SWAN award holder and a member of Stonewall Diversity Champions. The Institute is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
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