Postdoctoral Researcher
Posted 4 hours 45 minutes ago by The John Innes Centre
£80,000 - £100,000 Annual
Permanent
Full Time
Research Jobs
Norfolk, Norwich, United Kingdom, NR1 1
Job Description
Hours per week 37 Project Title Directing triterpenoid biosynthesis for pharmaceutical applications Months Duration 36
Job Description Main Purpose of the Job Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn. The role will work on investigating the structure-function relationships of triterpenoid biosynthetic enzymes and on using this knowledge to unlock and expand accessible chemical space.
Key Relationships The successful applicant will be line-managed by Professor Anne Osbourn and based at the John Innes Centre.
Main Activities & Responsibilities Percentage Investigate the diversity and structure-function relationships of key enzyme superfamilies required for triterpenoid biosynthesis; carry out combinatorial biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana 50 Generate mutant variants of selected enzymes in order to unlock and expand on available triterpenoid biosynthetic space 30 Prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals; also disseminate research findings through presentations 10 Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements 5 As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post 5
Person Profile Education & Qualifications Requirement Importance PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in natural product chemistry, metabolic biology, synthetic biology or a related discipline Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills Requirement Importance Molecular biology, vector construction Essential Biochemistry, metabolic biology Essential Natural products research Essential Enzymology and structural biology Desirable
Requirement Importance Demonstrated experience of analysis of plant biosynthetic enzymes, including genome mining, phylogenetics, molecular and synthetic biology, and analytical natural product chemistry Essential Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas Essential Proven record in scientific writing Essential Preparing data / information for grant proposals Essential Knowledge of enzymology and structural biology Desirable Experience of preparative natural product chemistry Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills Requirement Importance Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity Essential Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential
Additional Requirements Requirement Importance Attention to detail 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 Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential
Who We Are 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.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on (0) or .
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 Biochemistry and Metabolism
Researchers within the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism investigate the structure and function of biological macromolecules and fundamental aspects of plant and microbial metabolism. They aim to understand the mechanisms underpinning metabolic diversity and how to manipulate proteins, carbohydrates, small molecules and DNA, research which is facilitating advances of agricultural, environmental, medical and industrial importance.
The Postdoctoral Researcher appointed to this position will be based in the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism at the John Innes Centre in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn and will join a multidisciplinary team working on plant natural products - biosynthesis, function, mechanisms of metabolic diversification and metabolic engineering for food and health applications.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary: £37,500 - £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract: 36 months, Full time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date:8th March 2026
Reference:
Applications are invited for a three-year Postdoctoral Researcher position in the group of Professor Anne Osbourn OBE FRS NAS at the John Innes Centre to work on metabolic diversification of triterpenoid bioactives, inspired by the chemical diversity of the Plant Kingdom. The post is part of a larger programme in the Osbourn lab on harnessing plant metabolic diversity for medicinal, agricultural and other applications.
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 Osbourn Group:
The Postdoctoral Researcher appointed to this position will be based in the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism at the John Innes Centre in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn and will join a multidisciplinary team working on plant natural products - biosynthesis, function, mechanisms of metabolic diversification and metabolic engineering for food and health applications.
The role:
The successful candidate will investigate the diversity and structure-function relationships of one or more key enzyme superfamilies required for triterpenoid biosynthesis, carry out combinatorial biosynthesis using a rapid and powerful transient plant expression system established in the Osbourn lab (in Nicotiana benthamiana), and generate mutant variants of selected enzymes in order to unlock and expand on available triterpenoid biosynthetic space.
The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary lab of biologists, chemists and computational scientists that operates across the disciplinary boundaries. The candidate will be encouraged to innovate and develop their own research areas within the overall scope of the labs aims. They will also have the opportunity to interact with spin-out companies on the Norwich Research Park, including a new spin-out from the Osbourn lab, to gain insights into life in the commercial biotech sector.
The ideal candidate:
The John Innes Centre is a world class institute and is looking to appoint an exceptional candidate with a PhD in natural product chemistry, metabolic biology, synthetic biology or a related discipline (full award or expected within 6 months). The successful candidate will have excellent skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry and metabolic biology/natural product research. Previous experience of working on triterpenoid/steroidal compounds (biosynthesis, pathway engineering) would be advantageous but is not essential.
The post holder will work independently and ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements.
Additional information:
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation . click apply for full job details
Job Description Main Purpose of the Job Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn. The role will work on investigating the structure-function relationships of triterpenoid biosynthetic enzymes and on using this knowledge to unlock and expand accessible chemical space.
Key Relationships The successful applicant will be line-managed by Professor Anne Osbourn and based at the John Innes Centre.
Main Activities & Responsibilities Percentage Investigate the diversity and structure-function relationships of key enzyme superfamilies required for triterpenoid biosynthesis; carry out combinatorial biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana 50 Generate mutant variants of selected enzymes in order to unlock and expand on available triterpenoid biosynthetic space 30 Prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals; also disseminate research findings through presentations 10 Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements 5 As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post 5
Person Profile Education & Qualifications Requirement Importance PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in natural product chemistry, metabolic biology, synthetic biology or a related discipline Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills Requirement Importance Molecular biology, vector construction Essential Biochemistry, metabolic biology Essential Natural products research Essential Enzymology and structural biology Desirable
Requirement Importance Demonstrated experience of analysis of plant biosynthetic enzymes, including genome mining, phylogenetics, molecular and synthetic biology, and analytical natural product chemistry Essential Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas Essential Proven record in scientific writing Essential Preparing data / information for grant proposals Essential Knowledge of enzymology and structural biology Desirable Experience of preparative natural product chemistry Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills Requirement Importance Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity Essential Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential
Additional Requirements Requirement Importance Attention to detail 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 Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential
Who We Are 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.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on (0) or .
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 Biochemistry and Metabolism
Researchers within the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism investigate the structure and function of biological macromolecules and fundamental aspects of plant and microbial metabolism. They aim to understand the mechanisms underpinning metabolic diversity and how to manipulate proteins, carbohydrates, small molecules and DNA, research which is facilitating advances of agricultural, environmental, medical and industrial importance.
The Postdoctoral Researcher appointed to this position will be based in the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism at the John Innes Centre in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn and will join a multidisciplinary team working on plant natural products - biosynthesis, function, mechanisms of metabolic diversification and metabolic engineering for food and health applications.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary: £37,500 - £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract: 36 months, Full time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date:8th March 2026
Reference:
Applications are invited for a three-year Postdoctoral Researcher position in the group of Professor Anne Osbourn OBE FRS NAS at the John Innes Centre to work on metabolic diversification of triterpenoid bioactives, inspired by the chemical diversity of the Plant Kingdom. The post is part of a larger programme in the Osbourn lab on harnessing plant metabolic diversity for medicinal, agricultural and other applications.
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 Osbourn Group:
The Postdoctoral Researcher appointed to this position will be based in the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism at the John Innes Centre in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn and will join a multidisciplinary team working on plant natural products - biosynthesis, function, mechanisms of metabolic diversification and metabolic engineering for food and health applications.
The role:
The successful candidate will investigate the diversity and structure-function relationships of one or more key enzyme superfamilies required for triterpenoid biosynthesis, carry out combinatorial biosynthesis using a rapid and powerful transient plant expression system established in the Osbourn lab (in Nicotiana benthamiana), and generate mutant variants of selected enzymes in order to unlock and expand on available triterpenoid biosynthetic space.
The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary lab of biologists, chemists and computational scientists that operates across the disciplinary boundaries. The candidate will be encouraged to innovate and develop their own research areas within the overall scope of the labs aims. They will also have the opportunity to interact with spin-out companies on the Norwich Research Park, including a new spin-out from the Osbourn lab, to gain insights into life in the commercial biotech sector.
The ideal candidate:
The John Innes Centre is a world class institute and is looking to appoint an exceptional candidate with a PhD in natural product chemistry, metabolic biology, synthetic biology or a related discipline (full award or expected within 6 months). The successful candidate will have excellent skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry and metabolic biology/natural product research. Previous experience of working on triterpenoid/steroidal compounds (biosynthesis, pathway engineering) would be advantageous but is not essential.
The post holder will work independently and ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements.
Additional information:
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation . click apply for full job details