Research Assistant

John Innes Centre; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The John Innes Centre in Norwich, UK, invites applications for a Research Assistant in Molecular Microbiology. The role supports the Bradley Group, contributing to fungal–plant chemical signalling projects with focus on molecular biology techniques and data generation.

Salary ranges from £38,000 to £42,150 per annum, with a 24-month, full-time contract and closing date 13 November 2026. You will work under the Group Leader, execute experimental protocols, supervise students, manage resources,

Qualifications

• A BSc in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or a related discipline.
• PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or related discipline desirable.
• Practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics or related field.
• Experience in molecular biology workflows involving DNA, RNA or gene expression analysis.
• Experience of oral research presentations.
• Experience with molecular cloning, genetic engineering or related laboratory techniques.
• Proven record in scientific writing.
• Provided technical training.
• Supervision of students and visiting workers.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research.

Responsibilities

• Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures.
• Run key items of equipment, provide services and/or techniques, take responsibility for purchases, maintenance and repairs.
• Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks.
• Mentor/supervise less experienced researchers, encouraging scientific excellence and provide guidance and training on specialised items of equipment.
• Plan, perform, trouble-shoot and analyse experiments, providing preliminary data.
• Design and supervise small research projects for students.
• Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity and local policies.
• Assist in the preparation of research proposals and manuscripts, collaborating internally and externally as appropriate.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including supervision of visitors and assisting with training others.

Skills

Teamwork

Independent thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

BSc in molecular biology or related

PhD in molecular biology/microbiology/chemical ecology (Desirable)

Tools

Molecular biology workflows (DNA/RNA)

PCR / gene expression analysis

Molecular cloning techniques

Job description

Hours per week 37 Project Title Research Assistant – molecular microbiology and plant-fungal chemical signalling Expected/Ideal Start Date 01 Dec 2026 Months Duration 24 Interview Date 24 Nov 2026

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

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

Key Relationships

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

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures, assisting colleagues with trouble-shooting as necessary Run key items of equipment providing services and/or techniques, taking responsibility for purchases, maintenance and repairs Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks Mentor/supervise less experienced researchers, encouraging scientific excellence and provide guidance and training on specialised items of equipment Plan, perform, trouble-shoot and analyse experiments as and when necessary, providing preliminary data Design and supervise small research projects for students Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements Assist in the preparation of research proposals and manuscripts, collaborating internally and externally as appropriate Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including through the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence Disseminate research findings and establish reputation through participation in national conferences and exhibitions Support the profile and reputation of the Institute by participating in relevant engagement activities (eg, school visits or open days) Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance A BSc in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or a related discipline Essential A PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or a related discipline Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics or a related experimental field Essential Experience in molecular biology workflows involving DNA, RNA or gene expression analysis. Essential

Requirement Importance Experience of oral research presentations Essential Experience with molecular cloning, genetic engineering or related laboratory techniques Essential Preparing data / information for grant proposals Desirable Proven record in scientific writing Desirable Provided technical training Desirable Supervision of students and visiting workers Desirable Demonstrated ability to perform research Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

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 Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group 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

Additional Requirements

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

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 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 [phone] or [e-mail].

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 Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Molecular Microbiology

Our holistic approach integrates cellular physiology, molecular genetics (including functional genomics), biochemistry and structural biology. In the Department of Molecular Microbiology we study bacterial metabolism, physiology, gene regulation and development, and plant-bacterial interactions. Major themes of our work on Gram-negative bacteria are the molecular basis of signal transduction in response to various environmental signals and studies on the biology of ammonia channel proteins which are conserved in all domains of life.

The Department's comprehensive Streptomyces programme, studying antibiotic production, morphological differentiation and stress responses, is underpinned by the newly-acquired genome sequence of the model species S. coelicolor, and cutting-edge techniques in functional genomics. Another major research area is the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis where our studies range from bacterial quorum-sensing and plant-bacterial signalling interactions to the developmental responses of plants to their microbial symbionts.

The Department capitalises on the John Innes Centre's emerging strengths in functional genomics, structural biology and advanced cytological techniques, as well as exploiting novel links between research on bacterial and plant processes.

The Bradley group investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying chemical communication between plants and fungi, with a particular focus on how plant-derived small molecules influence fungal biology and plant–fungal interactions.

Plant-associated fungi play diverse roles in plant health and nutrition. While some cause disease, others form beneficial symbioses that improve plant access to essential nutrients. Understanding how chemical signals regulate these interactions could help inform more sustainable approaches to crop protection and nutrient management.

Despite considerable progress in understanding how plant–fungal associations develop, the mechanisms by which fungi perceive and respond to plant-derived chemical signals remain poorly understood. Addressing this gap is challenging because many ecologically important fungi are difficult to manipulate genetically and experimentally.

The Bradley group combines molecular genetics, synthetic biology and tractable model systems to investigate fungal chemical perception. By integrating approaches from model yeasts and filamentous fungi, we aim to uncover conserved and specialised signalling mechanisms and develop new ways to investigate fungal biology.

Our research focuses on three interconnected areas:

Synthetic reconstruction of fungal signalling pathways. Developing model systems to investigate the function and regulation of signalling pathways from plant-associated fungi.

Discovery and characterisation of fungal chemical perception. Identifying plant-derived compounds that influence fungal responses and investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions.

Developing new experimental approaches for fungal biology. Establishing tools and methods that make genetically and experimentally challenging fungi more amenable to systematic investigation.

Research Assistant

Salary: £38,000 - £42,150 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.

Contract: 24 months, full-time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK

Closing date: 13 November 2026

Reference: 1006230

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.

About the Bradley Group:

The Bradley group investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying chemical communication between plants and fungi, with a particular focus on how plant-derived small molecules influence fungal biology and plant–fungal interactions.

Plant-associated fungi play diverse roles in plant health and nutrition. While some cause disease, others form beneficial symbioses that improve plant access to essential nutrients. Understanding how chemical signals regulate these interactions could help inform more sustainable approaches to crop protection and nutrient management.

Despite considerable progress in understanding how plant–fungal associations develop, the mechanisms by which fungi perceive and respond to plant-derived chemical signals remain poorly understood. Addressing this gap is challenging because many ecologically important fungi are difficult to manipulate genetically and experimentally.

The Bradley group combines molecular genetics, synthetic biology and tractable model systems to investigate fungal chemical perception. By integrating approaches from model yeasts and filamentous fungi, we aim to uncover conserved and specialised signalling mechanisms and develop new ways to investigate fungal biology.

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.

The ideal candidate:

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.

Additional information:

Interviews are planned for 23-23 November 2026.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

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.