Research Assistant

Hours per week 37 Project Title Research Assistant - molecular microbiology and plant-fungal chemical signalling Expected/Ideal Start Date 01 Dec 2026 Months Duration 24 Interview Date 24 Nov 2026

Job Description Main Purpose of the Job Research Assistants enhance the output of a research group by providing technical and administrative support to the Group Leader and group members.

Key Relationships Internal: Line manager, group members and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute. External: Collaborators

Main Activities & Responsibilities Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures, assisting colleagues with trouble-shooting as necessary Run key items of equipment providing services and/or techniques, taking responsibility for purchases, maintenance and repairs Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks Mentor/supervise less experienced researchers, encouraging scientific excellence and provide guidance and training on specialised items of equipment Plan, perform, trouble-shoot and analyse experiments as and when necessary, providing preliminary data Design and supervise small research projects for students 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 Assist in the preparation of research proposals and manuscripts, collaborating internally and externally as appropriate Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including through the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence Disseminate research findings and establish reputation through participation in national conferences and exhibitions Support the profile and reputation of the Institute by participating in relevant engagement activities (eg, school visits or open days) Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees

Person Profile Education & Qualifications Requirement Importance A BSc in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or a related discipline Essential A PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or a related discipline Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills Requirement Importance Practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics or a related experimental field Essential Experience in molecular biology workflows involving DNA, RNA or gene expression analysis. Essential

Requirement Importance Experience of oral research presentations Essential Experience with molecular cloning, genetic engineering or related laboratory techniques Essential Preparing data / information for grant proposals Desirable Proven record in scientific writing Desirable Provided technical training Desirable Supervision of students and visiting workers Desirable Demonstrated ability to perform research Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills Requirement Importance Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group Essential Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity Essential Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders Essential Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures Essential Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential

Additional Requirements Requirement Importance Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work 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 Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars Essential Attention to detail 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 Molecular Microbiology

Our holistic approach integrates cellular physiology, molecular genetics (including functional genomics), biochemistry and structural biology. In the Department of Molecular Microbiology we study bacterial metabolism, physiology, gene regulation and development, and plant-bacterial interactions. Major themes of our work on Gram-negative bacteria are the molecular basis of signal transduction in response to various environmental signals and studies on the biology of ammonia channel proteins which are conserved in all domains of life.

The Department's comprehensive Streptomyces programme, studying antibiotic production, morphological differentiation and stress responses, is underpinned by the newly-acquired genome sequence of the model species S. coelicolor, and cutting-edge techniques in functional genomics. Another major research area is the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis where our studies range from bacterial quorum-sensing and plant-bacterial signalling interactions to the developmental responses of plants to their microbial symbionts.

The Department capitalises on the John Innes Centre's emerging strengths in functional genomics, structural biology and advanced cytological techniques, as well as exploiting novel links between research on bacterial and plant processes.

The Bradley group investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying chemical communication between plants and fungi, with a particular focus on how plant-derived small molecules influence fungal biology and plant-fungal interactions.

Plant-associated fungi play diverse roles in plant health and nutrition. While some cause disease, others form beneficial symbioses that improve plant access to essential nutrients. Understanding how chemical signals regulate these interactions could help inform more sustainable approaches to crop protection and nutrient management.

Despite considerable progress in understanding how plant-fungal associations develop, the mechanisms by which fungi perceive and respond to plant-derived chemical signals remain poorly understood. Addressing this gap is challenging because many ecologically important fungi are difficult to manipulate genetically and experimentally.

The Bradley group combines molecular genetics, synthetic biology and tractable model systems to investigate fungal chemical perception. By integrating approaches from model yeasts and filamentous fungi, we aim to uncover conserved and specialised signalling mechanisms and develop new ways to investigate fungal biology.

Our research focuses on three interconnected areas:

Synthetic reconstruction of fungal signalling pathways. Developing model systems to investigate the function and regulation of signalling pathways from plant-associated fungi.

Discovery and characterisation of fungal chemical perception. Identifying plant-derived compounds that influence fungal responses and investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions.

Developing new experimental approaches for fungal biology. Establishing tools and methods that make genetically and experimentally challenging fungi more amenable to systematic investigation.

Research Assistant

Salary: £38,000 - £42,150 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.

Contract: 24 months, full-time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK

Closing date: 13 November 2026

Reference:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Bradley Group at the John Innes Centre . click apply for full job details