At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore triterpenoid biosynthesis and innovate for pharmaceutical applications.
- Company: Join the John Innes Centre, a leader in plant and microbial sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse training opportunities, and support for visa applications.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with strong support for diversity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in bioscience while working with cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in plant natural product research and BSc in biochemistry or chemistry required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 36000 € per year.
Hours per week: 37
Project Title: Understanding biological innovations enabling long‑range gene silencing by a molecular clamp in bacterial multidrug resistance plasmids
Expected/Ideal Start Date: 01 Oct 2023
Duration: 36 months
Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary: £37,500 – £45,350 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience
Contract: 36 months, full time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 8 May 2026
Reference: 1006103
Responsibilities
- Carry out experiments, collate and analyse results, and plan future work (65%)
- Prepare and submit papers; present talks to internal, national and international audiences (10%)
- Undertake training in specific and transferable skills (5%)
- Help train new graduate, MSc or visiting students (5%)
- Maintain record keeping in compliance with scientific integrity and local policy (5%)
- Collaborate with colleagues on research proposals and grant applications (5%)
- Perform additional duties as agreed with the line manager (5%)
Qualifications
- Education: PhD or equivalent experience in microbiology or cell biology (essential)
- Knowledge & skills: Good understanding of chromosome/plasmid biology, bacterial cell surface and division (essential)
- Expertise in microbiological/biological techniques (essential)
- Proven ability to conduct innovative, publishable research (essential)
- Strong mathematical, statistical, bioinformatic and computing skills (essential)
- Practical experience in gene knockout and plasmid construction (essential)
- Experience with Pseudomonas genetics (essential)
- Evidence of intellectual independence, rigor and creativity (essential)
- First‑author publication in a peer‑reviewed journal (essential)
- Experience in epifluorescence microscopy (essential)
- Experience with protein purification, biophysical analysis and protein degradation (essential)
- Experience presenting to external academic audiences (essential)
- Practical experience with X‑ray crystallography (desirable)
- Good presentational skills, organisation, time management and teamwork (essential)
- Attention to detail, equality and diversity commitment, and willingness to embrace institutional values (essential)
- Willingness to travel abroad and work outside standard hours (desirable)
Employer Commitment
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 provide a supportive, family‑friendly workplace and hold a Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Norwich employer: The John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration among its diverse scientific community. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to employee development, including leadership training and opportunities for impactful research, the Centre provides a rewarding environment for postdoctoral researchers looking to make significant contributions to plant and microbial sciences in Norwich, UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of biochemistry and plant natural products. Attend conferences or seminars where you can meet potential collaborators or employers, and don’t be shy about sharing your research interests.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of triterpenoid biosynthesis and enzymology. Be ready to discuss your past research experiences and how they relate to the role. Practise common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your scientific writing skills! Bring along copies of your published papers or presentations to highlight your expertise. This will not only demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas but also your commitment to contributing to the scientific community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at the John Innes Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Researcher role. Highlight your experience in triterpenoid biosynthesis and enzymology, as well as any relevant research you've done. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since a proven record in scientific writing is essential, include examples of your published work or presentations. This will help us gauge your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, which is super important for this role.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, showcasing your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at The John Innes Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of triterpenoid biosynthesis and enzymology. Familiarise yourself with the latest research in these areas, as well as any relevant techniques like enzyme modelling and structure-function analysis. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about specific methodologies and your previous research experiences. Be ready to discuss your work on plant natural products and how it relates to the role. Practising answers to common technical questions can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to prepare manuscripts and present findings, it's crucial to demonstrate your verbal and written communication skills. Consider sharing examples of past presentations or publications during the interview to highlight your ability to convey complex information clearly.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Independence
The role requires both collaboration and independent work. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked in teams, as well as instances where you've taken the initiative on your own. This balance is key to showing that you can thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.
