Group Leader in Discovery Plant Sciences

John Innes Centre; Norwich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in plant and microbial sciences is seeking a visionary scientist for an Independent Fellowship in Plant-Associated Microbial Interactions. Ideal candidates will have a PhD, substantial research experience, and a strong publication record. This role offers a chance to lead pioneering research and access to cutting-edge resources in a collaborative environment, providing excellent opportunities for growth. Applications close on September 5, 2025.

Benefits

State-of-the-art technology and resources

Diverse training opportunities

Support for leadership and management

Qualifications

• Substantial postdoctoral research experience.
• Track record of internationally competitive research achievements.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and lead a research programme in host-microbe interactions.
• Drive innovative, world-class science.
• Collaborate with internal research community.

Skills

Expertise in microbial or fungal communities

Strong publication record

Ability to lead research programmes

Knowledge of plant health

Education

PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject

Job description

Independent Fellowship in Plant-Associated Microbial Interactions

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Independent Fellowship in Plant-Associated Microbial Interactions

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An exciting opportunity for an Independent Fellowship in Plant-Associated Microbial Interactions has arisen at the John Innes Centre. To read the full job description for this role, please follow this link.

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, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, 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. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

The Role

The John Innes Centre (JIC) recognises the critical importance of this rapidly evolving field and invites applications from visionary scientists for an Independent Research Fellowship focused on microbial communities and their interactions. We welcome candidates with expertise and interests in any aspect of microbial or fungal communities and their interactions with host organisms, particularly where these interactions contribute to plant and soil health.

Relevant Research Areas Include, But Are Not Limited To

• rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbiology
• microbial evolution
• molecular and/or structural aspects of plant-microbe or plant-fungal interactions
• the molecular biology of soil-dwelling bacteria or fungi
• interspecies chemical signalling
• bacteria/fungus-virus interactions in the soil
• soil microbiology
• microbial community modelling
• and plant genetics in the context of microbial interactions.
  
  

This position will come with access to JIC’s extensive resources and state-of-the-art plant growth facilities. The candidate will join a vibrant microbiology and plant science research community, providing excellent opportunities for internal collaboration and research synergy.

The successful candidate will be offered an initial five-year Independent Fellowship position, with the opportunity to transfer to a three-year tenure-track Group Leader appointment at the end of this period, subject to review. If the candidate selected meets the requirement for tenure-track prior to the end of the five-year Fellowship an earlier transition is possible, again subject to review.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject to the role. They will also have substantial postdoctoral research experience and a significant track-record of internationally competitive research achievement, supported by a strong publication record in peer reviewed journals.

You will have the ability to formulate and lead a research programme that will deliver innovative, world-class science in molecular host-microbes interactions or a related field and good knowledge of JIC/NRP research fields, underpinning an explanation of the benefits of locating the proposed research programme at JIC.

The successful candidate will also have demonstrated ability to plan and prioritise to ensure scientific ideas translate into delivery of research outcomes as well as demonstrated commitment to the highest levels of integrity and best practice in science and scientific management.

It is essential that the post holder is a strong team player that can work with different skill sets to reach a common goal and good knowledge of effective and appropriate communication with people at all levels both inside and outside the Institute.

Additional Information

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for the Independent Fellowship position at JIC
• A description of current research activities (2-3 pages)
• Short- and long-term research goals (2-3 pages)
  
  

We encourage you to highlight how your research could contribute to JIC’s four strategic research programmes (see here).

Applicants must submit your application by close of play Friday 5th September 2025.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for 14th and 15th October 2025.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.jic.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or [e-mail] quoting reference 1004921.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options, you can also read more information here.

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 are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Higher Education

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