Postdoctoral Researcher

The John Innes Centre; Norwich; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Norwich seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to explore triterpenoid biosynthesis for pharmaceutical applications. Applicants should have a PhD in plant natural product research and a BSc in biochemistry or chemistry. The role involves investigating enzyme functions and preparing results for publication. Competitive salary of £37,500 - £40,500 per year with a focus on inclusivity and research integrity.

Benefits

State-of-the-art technology

Diverse training opportunities

Visa application support

Qualifications

• PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) in plant natural product research with extensive experience of enzymology.
• BSc in biochemistry or chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the diversity and structure–function relationships of enzyme superfamilies.
• Generate mutant variants of selected enzymes.
• Prepare manuscripts for scientific journals.

Skills

Knowledge of plant terpene biosynthesis

Knowledge of enzymology and structural biology

Demonstrated ability to perform research

Experience of analysis of plant biosynthetic enzymes

Proven record in scientific writing

Education

PhD in plant natural product research

BSc in biochemistry or chemistry

Job description

Overview

Hours per week 37
Project Title Directing triterpenoid biosynthesis for pharmaceutical applications
Expected/Ideal Start Date 05 Jan 2026
Months Duration 36

Job Description

The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the structure–function relationships of triterpenoid biosynthetic enzymes and use this knowledge to unlock and expand accessible chemical space in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn (John Innes Centre).

Main Relationships

The successful applicant will be line-managed by Professor Anne Osbourn and based at the John Innes Centre.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Investigate the diversity and structure–function relationships of key enzyme superfamilies required for triterpenoid biosynthesis
• Generate mutant variants of selected enzymes to unlock and expand triterpenoid biosynthetic space
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals; disseminate research findings through presentations
• Ensure research and record keeping are carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements
• As agreed with line manager, perform other duties commensurate with the nature of the post

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

• Requirement: BSc in biochemistry or chemistry; Importance: Essential
• Requirement: PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) in plant natural product research with extensive experience of enzymology; Importance: Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of plant terpene biosynthesis; Importance: Essential
• Knowledge of enzymology and structural biology; Importance: Essential
• Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas; Importance: Essential
• Extensive relevant experience of protein biochemistry, enzyme modeling, docking simulations, structure–function analysis; Importance: Essential
• Experience of analysis of plant biosynthetic enzymes, including genome mining, phylogenetics, molecular and synthetic biology, protein biochemistry, analytical and preparative natural product chemistry; Importance: Essential
• Proven record in scientific writing; Importance: Desirable
• Preparing data/information for grant proposals; Importance: Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures; Importance: Essential
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team; Importance: Essential
• Evidence of intellectual independence, rigour and creativity; Importance: Essential
• Good verbal and written communication skills; Importance: Essential
• Excellent time management and organisational skills; Importance: Essential
• Experience of oral presentation to scientific audiences; Importance: Essential
• Promotes and strives for continuous improvement; Importance: Essential

Additional Requirements

• Attention to detail; Importance: Essential
• Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute; Importance: Essential
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate; Importance: Essential
• Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required; Importance: Essential
• Promotes equality and values diversity; Importance: Essential
• Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute; Importance: Essential

Who We Are

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 make our findings available to society. Our research uses a wide range of disciplines including cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology. We strive to be welcoming and inclusive, with a diverse and multicultural scientific community and strong international links. For immigration information, contact HR at [phone] or [e-mail].

We hold Athena SWAN Gold, Stonewall Diversity Champions, and are a Disability Confident employer. The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) and grant-aided by BBSRC.

Department

Biochemistry and Metabolism

We investigate the structure and function of biological macromolecules and fundamental aspects of plant and microbial metabolism to understand metabolic diversity and guide protein, carbohydrate, small molecule and DNA manipulation for agricultural, environmental, medical and industrial relevance. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be based in the Biochemistry and Metabolism Department and join a multidisciplinary team working on plant natural products – biosynthesis, function, metabolic diversification and engineering for food and health applications.

Role Details

Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary: £37,500 - £40,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: Full time, 36 months
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 10 October 2025
Reference: 1004967

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on directing triterpenoid biosynthesis for pharmaceutical applications in the laboratory of Professor Anne Osbourn at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.

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 bioscience and translate knowledge into societal benefits. Our long-term goals focus on the game-changing impact of our science globally. We offer state-of-the-art technology and diverse training opportunities, including leadership and management support.

The role will investigate the diversity and structure–function relationships of enzyme superfamilies required for triterpenoid biosynthesis and generate mutant variants to expand triterpenoid biosynthetic space. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in plant natural product research (full award or expected within 6 months) and a BSc in biochemistry or chemistry, with extensive experience in terpene biosynthesis and enzymology and a proven record in scientific writing. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. The post holder will work independently and ensure research and record-keeping comply with good practice, scientific integrity and local policies. This role supports visa applications where applicable, with visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs funded.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. We guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet essential criteria. We hold a Gold Athena SWAN award and are a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme. The John Innes Centre is a registered charity grant-aided by the BBSRC.