Research Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Contract:  10 months, maternity cover contract, full-time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Germplasm Resources Unit at the John Innes Centre.

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 GRU seeks a maternity cover for the Pisum germplasm custodian role.

The JIC Pisum collection includes diverse cultivated, landrace, wild, mutagenised, and mapping pea populations—one of the world’s most utilised pea germplasm resources. You will manage GR-NBRI pea germplasm conservation, regeneration, seed and plant characterisation, and international seed distribution.

You’ll be encouraged to pursue research in one of three areas: improved seed regeneration, Genebank Genomics, or high-throughput phenotyping for grain nutritional quality.

Ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will hold an MSc (or equivalent) in crop science or related field; a PhD in biology or similar is desirable. The post holder must have knowledge of plant genetics and experience in conservation, gene banking, or seed production; experience managing crop germplasm is an advantage.

Strong communication and service skills are essential to lead global pea resource conservation and seed distribution supporting legume research and crop improvement.

Additional information:

This is a full-time maternity cover post expected to last for ten months, this could be shorter or longer depending on when the absent employee returns to work.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking job-share, part-time or other flexible working arrangements.

This role does not meet the full salary requirements set by UKVI to allow for visa sponsorship.  However, some individuals may still be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on their personal circumstances. If you require visa sponsorship, please click here to find out if you qualify before applying. Please note, the occupation code for this role is 2112, which is on the immigration salary list.

For further information and details of how to apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.ukquoting reference 1004981.

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.

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