Group Leader in Discovery Plant Sciences

The John Innes Centre (JIC) seeks a visionary Group Leader to lead research on Discovery Plant Science. We welcome applications from scientists with expertise in any aspect of fundamental plant science, including but not limited to, growth and development, environmental interactions, seasonal biology, cellular signalling, genetics, epigenetics and transcription.

This position will primarily focus on fundamental discovery plant science, with opportunity to access JIC’s extensive resources and state-of-the-art plant growth facilities. By joining a vibrant plant and microbial research community, there are also opportunities for the candidate’s research to synergise with that of others.

The successful candidate will be offered an initial six-year tenure-track position, with the opportunity to apply for tenure during this period, subject to review. If the candidate selected meets our tenure requirements, we may consider appointing to a tenured position directly.

Click here to read the full job description for this role.

Facilities and Support

The role comes with a full-time Research Assistant for the group, a well-equipped laboratory, and additional support including a Laboratory Manager and media preparation team. You will also benefit from cutting-edge technology platforms, such as bioimaging and microscopy, proteomics, biochemistry, structural biology, crop transformation, and horticultural services. JIC's newly built 110-hectare field experimentation station integrates lab and field research on one site, providing a seamless research experience. Explore the full range of platforms here.

International applicants  

We welcome international applicants and our dedicated recruitment team will guide you through the different visa options and application processes. We will cover visa costs for the successful candidate and their dependants as well as the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) when you apply for your visa.

We provide a competitive start-up package, including full funding for a Research Assistant/postdoc, access to student schemes, core lab equipment and access to advanced platform services such as horticulture, bioimaging, and proteomics. With no teaching expectation, you’ll have the freedom to focus fully on your research. 

Find out more about our pay and additional benefits  and about life in the UK.

Application Process

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for the Independent Fellowship position at JIC
• A description of current research activities (2-3 pages)
• Short- and long-term research goals (2-3 pages)

We encourage you to highlight how your research could contribute to JIC’s four strategic research programmes (see here).

Submit your application by close of play Monday 25 August 2025.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for 24 and 25 September 2025.

Additional information:

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website via the 'Apply' button or contact the Human Resources team quoting reference 1004923.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

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.

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