Research Assistant

Funding End Date 30 Sep 2027 Hours per week 37 Project Title HiFe Plants as a plant-based iron supplement Expected/Ideal Start Date 01 Oct 2026 Months Duration 12 Interview Date 16 Sep 2026 Flexible Options Although full-time hours are available, applications from those interested in working part-time hours are also welcomed.

The Research Assistant provides technical support and generates research data to develop high-iron crops for future commercialisation.

The RA reports ultimately to the grant holder, Dr Balk, but will primarily be supervised by Dr Jacob Pullin, a post-doctoral researcher of the Balk group and CEO of HiFe Plants. Some technical supervision will be provided by Dr Marina Franceschetti and Dr Balk. Progress will be discussed in 1-to-1 weekly meetings. The RA will also attend group meetings and give a presentation to report results quarterly.

Percentage Laboratory work to characterise the high-iron plant material, including quantification of ferritin protein, total iron and other minerals. 30 Optimise methods to extract ferritin protein from vegetative tissues, using enrichment/purification steps that are commercially feasible and compliant with food regulations. 30 Establish plant growth protocols to generate high-iron plant material for different purposes (e.g. for ferritin extraction, food ingredient or salad leaves), suitable for vertical farms.

15 Prepare data figures for technical reports, including descriptive text and legends. 15 Write SOPs as required, and assist with maintenance of equipment and resources, to contribute to the smooth running of the group. 10 As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.

Requirement Importance MSc in biochemistry, chemistry, biology or related subject Essential PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, biology or related subject Desirable

Requirement Importance Experience with protein purification using different methods (e.g. chromatography, density centrifugation) Essential Demonstrated ability to accurately measure the levels of specific proteins and small molecules Essential

Requirement Importance Recent experience of working in a laboratory setting, including pipetting and use of standard equipment for biochemistry Essential Demonstrated ability to perform research and obtain publishable data Essential Experience with presenting data in written form or in an oral presentation Desirable Experience with growing plants hydroponically Desirable

Requirement Importance Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity Essential Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders Essential Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures Essential Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential

Requirement Importance 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 Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars Essential Attention to detail Essential

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

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

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on or

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme , a founding signatory of the…