Research Assistant

John Innes Centre; Colney; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The John Innes Centre invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Bradley Group to advance molecular microbiology research. The successful candidate will develop and apply molecular and genetic methods to study how microbes respond to chemical signals and contribute to managing experimental resources.

The role emphasises independent and collaborative lab work, clear communication of results, and a willingness to learn novel techniques while supporting ongoing chemical biology projects.

Qualifications

• BSc in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or a related discipline.
• Willingness to learn new techniques; ability to plan and conduct hypothesis-driven experiments; communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply molecular and genetic approaches to investigate microbial responses to chemical signals.
• Contribute to development and management of experimental resources to support chemical biology research.
• Conduct microbiological screening experiments to identify and characterise novel biological responses to chemical cues.
• Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial signalling and environmental interactions.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent working

Collaborative

Education

BSc in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or related discipline

Tools

High-throughput screening

Molecular biology workflows

Microscopy

DNA/RNA analysis

Transcriptomics

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Bradley Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Molecular Microbiology. 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:

• Develop and apply molecular and genetic approaches to investigate microbial responses to biologically relevant chemical signals.
• Contribute to the development and management of experimental resources to support chemical biology research.
• Conduct microbiological screening experiments to identify and characterise novel biological responses to chemical cues.
• Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial signalling and environmental interactions.

  You will have a BSc in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or a related discipline. You will have a keen interest in experimental, laboratory-based research and a willingness to learn new techniques plus a demonstrable ability to plan and conduct hypothesis-driven experiments, critically evaluate results and develop follow-up investigations.

Other essential requirements are strong communication skills, including the ability to present scientific ideas and results clearly to different audiences and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Desirable skills include:

• Experience with high-throughput screening or other systematic approaches to experimental investigation.
• Experience in molecular biology workflows involving DNA, RNA or gene expression analysis.
• Experience with microscopy or other approaches to characterising cellular responses.
• Experience analysing complex biological datasets, including transcriptomic data.
• A track record of communicating research through peer-reviewed publications or other scientific outputs.