At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in cutting-edge research on crop genetics and gene editing techniques.
- Company: Join the renowned John Innes Centre, a leader in plant and microbial sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and access to state-of-the-art technology.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable agriculture while working with innovative scientists.
- Qualifications: Degree in biological sciences and lab experience required; knowledge of molecular biology is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28890 - 35670 £ per year.
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: 19th February
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Research Assistant in Norwich employer: John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre (JIC) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of scientific innovation within the Next Generation Infrastructure Programme. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, JIC provides flexible hybrid working arrangements and fosters an environment where impactful research and transformation thrive. Joining JIC means contributing to a legacy of scientific excellence while enjoying the benefits of working in a world-class research facility located at the vibrant Norwich Research Park.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Norwich
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like John Innes Centre, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like John Innes Centre, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at John Innes Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at John Innes Centre.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Research Assistant at John Innes Centre.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at John Innes Centre.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Innes Centre
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at John Innes Centre.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at John Innes Centre are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
