Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The John Innes Centre is a world-leading centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. Our strategic vision for Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of its science globally.
The John Innes Centre and its partner, The Sainsbury Laboratory, have been granted over £300million in capital funding from Government to establish new facilities and a world-leading hub for UK plant and microbial research and innovation on the Norwich Research Park. The hub will act as a catalyst for new initiatives, helping forge new scientific collaborations, partnerships and networks, to advance ground-breaking discovery research and deliver high scientific, societal, and economic impact.
The Research Partnerships and HP3 Hub Lead will play a key role in developing the vision for the hub with the Norwich Research Park partners and the wider plant and microbial sector, and provide high level support for engaging with the scientific community to establish key strategic research partnerships.
Key Relationships
This post sits at the interface between the JIC and a wide range of external scientific stakeholders.
Internally, the post-holder will work closely with the senior management team, with a broad range of scientists, with professional staff working on research culture and business change, engagement, knowledge exchange and fundraising, and with the JIC’s Chair and Governing Council.
Building relationships externally across the UK and internationally will be a key part of the role. The post-holder’s priority external relationships will include current and future research collaborators across academia and industry. The role will work particularly closely with The Sainsbury Laboratory, other research institutes on the Norwich Research Park, the University of East Anglia and BBSRC.
This post sits within the JIC Director’s Office and reports to the Chief Operating Officer of JIC.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Percentage Developing a vision for a hub for plant and microbial science
To lead on internal and external engagement during the next stages of development of our vision for a hub for plant and microbial science on the Norwich Research Park – including developing and agreeing key strategic partnerships objectives.
To review existing academic partnerships at JIC and TSL and identify and assess opportunities for future potential partnerships within the hub.
To assess interest and opportunities for academic and commercial partners to access JIC and TSL platforms and facilities as part of the hub.
To look at training provision provided through the hub and future opportunities.
To engage JIC and TSL staff and students with the future plans, and coordinate with partners across the wider Norwich Research Park.
To build strong relationships with external organisations in the wider plant and microbial science sector to scope opportunities and interests to collaborate as part of the hub and to keep existing supporters engaged throughout the life of the project.
To work with the Business Change lead to scope and cost specific activities which could be delivered by the hub and develop implementation plans.
To identify funding opportunities for hub activities and work with key partners to submit funding applications, as well as supporting the Director.80 Provide effective coordination and oversight of JIC’s broader strategic academic partnerships
To manage strong working relationships with key strategic partners to allow JIC to work effectively and increase our reach and impact.
To support the Director of the JIC in optimising their engagement with strategic academic partners and ensuring high-quality briefings and targeted follow-up.
20As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementImportanceA degree in a relevant science area or equivalent experience EssentialA postgraduate degree in a relevant science area or equivalent experience Desirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementImportanceA detailed understanding of the research environment in the UK and internationally EssentialA proven track record of strategy developmentEssentialBroad scientific awareness across subjects and disciplines relevant to the work of JICEssentialExcellent project management EssentialHigh-level strategic thinkingEssentialKnowledge of academic funding environment EssentialA detailed understanding of the plant and microbial research environment in the UK and internationallyDesirableFamiliarity with UK and international funding programmes Desirable
Relevant Experience
RequirementImportanceEffectively managing multiple stakeholder interfaces, successfully building relationships and navigating complex dynamicsEssentialExperience of conveying complex ideas with clarity and experience of strong written communicationsEssentialEffectively working with external academic stakeholders EssentialExperience of successful high level academic partnerships EssentialWorking across diverse research fields and in interdisciplinary research EssentialWorking in or with UK research environmentEssentialExperience of building relationships between academia and industry Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementImportanceAbility to work diplomatically with people from different organisations and create strong working relationships and networksEssentialAbility to follow instructions/Standard Operating ProceduresEssentialExceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage positively and influence others EssentialDemonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skillsEssentialExcellent planning and organisational skills with demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities/deadlinesEssentialGood interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a teamEssentialExperience of interacting with senior staff Essential
Additional Requirements
RequirementImportanceAttention to detailEssentialPromotes equality and values diversityEssentialThis is an outward-facing post and may involve travel within the UK to engage with stakeholdersEssentialAbility to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate EssentialWillingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to workEssentialAble to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute EssentialWillingness to work outside standard working hours when requiredEssential
Who We Are
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 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
Directorate
Group Details
Living in Norfolk
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3. Childcare in Norfolk