At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in growing and caring for wheat lines while collecting important data.
- Company: Join the John Innes Centre, a leader in plant research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on scientific excellence and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in improving cold tolerance in wheat through innovative research.
- Qualifications: BSc in Biology preferred; plant care experience is essential.
The predicted salary is between 28890 - 35670 € per year.
Hours per week: 37
Project Title: Homoeolog-aware gene networks at single-cell resolution to improve cold tolerance in wheat
Start Date: 03 Aug 2026
Duration: 12 months
Contract: Full time, 12 months
Salary: £28,890 – £35,670 per annum
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 2 June 2026
Responsibilities
- Assist with day‑to‑day growth and care of wheat lines for phenotyping and sample generation.
- Collect phenotypic data of cold‑treated lines in collaboration with the postdoc.
- Plan, perform and troubleshoot plant growth experiments as needed under supervision of the Project Leader.
- Support the smooth running of the group, including effective use of resources, supervision of visitors, training of others, and encouraging scientific excellence.
- Manage laboratory supplies and stocks.
- Execute and refine existing experimental protocols and administrative procedures.
- Ensure research and record‑keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity and compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
- Actively seek and act on feedback, and pursue relevant learning and development opportunities.
- Perform any other duties agreed with the line manager.
Qualifications
- BSc (or equivalent) in Biology (desired).
- Experience in the care or growth of plants in a research setting (essential).
- Molecular biology experience (desirable).
- Experience in scientific data collection/analysis (essential).
- Demonstrated ability to perform research (desirable).
- Experience working with crop plants (desirable).
- Experience presenting oral research presentations (desirable).
Research Assistant in Norfolk employer: The John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters scientific excellence and collaboration. Located in the picturesque city of Norwich, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive salaries and comprehensive resources for research. With a focus on innovative agricultural research, this role as a Research Assistant provides a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful projects while working with leading experts in the field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with researchers at places like the John Innes Centre. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with plant care and data collection. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role of Research Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of molecular biology and experimental protocols. Think about how you can contribute to improving cold tolerance in wheat and be ready to share your ideas during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience you have with plant care, data collection, and molecular biology. We want to see how your background fits with our project on cold tolerance in wheat!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this research and how your skills align with the responsibilities listed. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear connection to our work at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage laboratory supplies, perform experiments, and collect data. We appreciate candidates who can provide concrete evidence of their skills and achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at The John Innes Centre
✨Know Your Wheat!
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of wheat and plant biology. Familiarise yourself with the specific traits related to cold tolerance and how they can be measured. This will show your passion for the role and your understanding of the project.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in plant care and research settings. Be ready to share specific examples of experiments you've conducted, data you've collected, and any troubleshooting you've done. This will help demonstrate your hands-on skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the project and the team. Inquire about the methodologies used for phenotyping or how the team collaborates on data analysis. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the environment is a good fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Learning
Highlight your ability to work well in a team and your eagerness to learn. Discuss any experiences where you’ve trained others or contributed to a collaborative project. This aligns with the responsibilities of supporting the group and encourages a positive impression.
