Research Assistant

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

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 Penfield Group:

The Penfield Group works to understand the effects of seasonal changes in temperature on plant reproductive development. We work with the model species Arabidopsis and Arable crops to understand how weather and climate variation affect reproductive development, crop yield and quality. We have a particular focus on exploiting gene editing for sustainable agriculture in non-cereal crops.

The role:

An opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant position investigating the evolutionary biology seasonal plant behaviour. The position is available for up to three years, working with the model liverwort Marchantia polymorpha to understand the mechanisms of plant seasonal sensing. The role will focus on gene editing, plant phenotyping and the maintenance and propagation of liverwort lines in sterile culture.

The ideal candidate:

Applicants should have a degree in biological sciences or a related discipline and postgraduate experience working with Golden Gate cloning and with sterile tissue culture. 

Additional information:

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

Interviews are planned for 21 August 2026.

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 visit our website http://jobs.jic.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006159.

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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