Research Assistant

Job Description

Job Title: Research Assistant

Reference: 1006038

Closing Date: 19 February 2026

Grade: SC7

Salary: £28,890–£35,670 pro-rata based on a full-time 37 hour week

Hours per week: 22.5

Expected/Ideal

Start Date:

01 April 2026

Duration: 24 months

Interview Date: 16 March 2026

Research Assistants enhance the output of a research group by providing technical and administrative support to the Group Leader and group members.

Internal:
Line manager, group members and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute. External:
Collaborators.

• Plan, perform and troubleshoot experiments as necessary under the supervision of the Project Leader (50%).
• Enhance the output of the post doctoral researcher by executing and refining existing experimental protocols (20%).
• Contribute to the smooth running of the group through effective use of resources, supervision of visitors, and assisting with training others (10%).
• Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks (10%).
• Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity, and compliance with local policies and legal requirements (5%).
• As agreed with the line manager, undertake other duties commensurate with the post, including contributing to Institute committees (5%).
• Support group members with dissemination of research findings and engagement activities, e.g., preparation of materials for conferences or school visits/activities.
• Continually strive for excellence, seek feedback, and pursue relevant learning and development opportunities.
• Contribute to writing of research proposals and manuscripts, providing preliminary data.
• Some responsibility for running, maintaining/repairing and training for key equipment, and providing related services/techniques.
• As agreed with line manager, undertake any other duties commensurate with the role.

Requirement
Importance

BSc or equivalent in Biological Sciences — Essential

MSc in a plant science related subject — Desirable

Requirement
Importance

Understanding of aseptic techniques — Essential

Able to keep accurate and up-to-date records of research progress — Essential

Knowledge of basic molecular biology, such as plasmid construction and cloning — Essential

Understanding of transgenic research — Essential

Previous experience in a laboratory environment — Essential

Demonstrated ability to perform research — Essential

Previous experience in plant transformation — Desirable

Previous experience in plant tissue culture — Desirable

Requirement
Importance

Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and ability to present complex information clearly — Essential

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders — Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures — Essential

Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team — Essential

Ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem-solving skills — Essential

Requirement
Importance

Attention to detail — Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity — 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 maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate — Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both its international reputation and public engagement aims — Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required — Essential

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research and making findings available to society.

Our research uses a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

We are…