Senior Research Assistant

Senior Research Assistant

Salary: £36,540 - £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience

Contract: 72 months, full time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK

Closing date: 12th March 2026

Reference:

About the John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, training scientists and making our findings available to society. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all, and we hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, and a Disability Confident employer.

About the Whitewoods Group

The Whitewoods lab investigates how plants pattern their internal leaf structure, primarily using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system. They investigate how leaves form air spaces between cells, how photosynthetic cells acquire their identities, and how changes in light level modify these developmental processes to tune leaf structure to the environment.

The Role

In this role you will be responsible for the day to day operational effectiveness of the group's research, as well as designing and performing experiments and analysing data. A key part of this role is performing mutant screens and organising mutant populations to identify and catalogue novel mutants. It therefore requires excellent attention to detail.

The Ideal Candidate

Candidates must have a background in plant science; a PhD in developmental biology or related fields is highly advantageous. Expertise in care and management of Arabidopsis thaliana is necessary, as is experience with performing EMS mutagenesis and organising a forward genetic screen. Experience with molecular biology, confocal microscopy and histology are also preferred, alongside a willingness and ability to learn and work with new methodologies and different species. The successful applicant will be a strong team player, highly solution oriented, self motivated, with excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and outstanding record keeping. Experience supervising students and teaching experimental techniques is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures, assisting colleagues with troubleshooting 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 providing guidance and training on specialised items of equipment
• Plan, perform, troubleshoot 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 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 (e.g. 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

Education & Qualifications

• BSc or equivalent in Biology - essential
• PhD or equivalent in Developmental Biology - desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Expertise in plant genetics - essential
• Confocal microscopy - essential
• Vibratome sectioning - essential
• Experience of oral research presentations - essential
• Demonstrated ability to perform research - essential
• Experience in plant genetics, molecular biology and confocal microscopy - essential
• Scientific techniques, specialisms, technical knowledge etc - essential
• Preparing data/information for grant proposals - desirable
• Supervision of students and visiting workers - desirable
• Proven record in scientific writing - desirable
• Provided technical training - desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• 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

• Promotes equality and values diversity - essential
• 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 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

Medical and Employment Notes

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award and are a Stonewall Diversity Champion. The Institute is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.