Research Assistant

John Innes Centre; Norwich; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Norwich is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to join their crop transformation and gene editing team. This role involves assisting in developing new processes for efficient gene editing of sugar beet and is a collaboration among several organizations. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in biological sciences and possess laboratory experience, particularly in aseptic techniques, transgenic research, and molecular biology. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative agricultural practices.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a laboratory.
• Understanding of aseptic techniques.
• Familiarity with molecular biology for plasmid handling.

Responsibilities

• Assist in gene editing processes for sugar beet.
• Collaborate with researchers on crop transformation protocols.
• Utilize plant tissue culture and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Transgenic research

Molecular biology

Plant tissue culture

Education

Degree in biological sciences

Job description

Overview

Salary: £28,890 – £35,670 per annum depending on qualifications and experience

Contract: 24 months, part-time 22.5 hours per week

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK

Closing date: 19 February 2026

Reference: 1006038

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.

The organisation

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.

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 part-time technical assistant to join our crop transformation and gene editing team, specifically to assist in the development of new processes for the efficient gene editing of sugar beet. The project is an exciting collaboration between the John Innes Centre (JIC), British Sugar, the British Beet Research Organisation and Tropic Biosciences. Based at the JIC you will work closely with Postdoctoral Researchers in the team to develop and scale new protocols for crop transformation.

Working as part of a team led by Professor Steve Penfield you will play a key role in developing transformation and gene editing capabilities in sugar beet, using plant tissue culture, Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation and basic molecular biology skills for the characterisation of transgenic plant tissues.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of new processes for efficient gene editing of sugar beet.
• Collaborate with Postdoctoral Researchers to develop and scale protocols for crop transformation.
• Utilise plant tissue culture techniques and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.
• Apply basic molecular biology methods for characterisation of transgenic plant tissues.

The ideal candidate

You will have a degree in biological sciences and previous experience working in a laboratory. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of aseptic techniques and transgenic research, alongside working knowledge of molecular biology necessary for plasmid handling and nucleic acid analysis. Previous experience in plant tissue culture and crop transformation will be an advantage. The successful candidate will be well organised, able to keep good records and understand the importance of information security in public/private partnerships.

Additional information

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

Interviews will be held on 16 March 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 can be found here or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or [e-mail] quoting reference 1006038.

Equality and opportunity

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.